Increasing Understanding and Knowledge Retention
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D186 Learning as a Science
Increasing Understanding and Knowledge Retention 2
Introduction
My classroom setting is a kindergarten inclusion classroom. My school is a Title One
urban charter school in Philadelphia. The school's demographics are almost split, with 47%
female and 53% male. 100% of the students are economically disadvantaged and are offered free
breakfast and lunch daily.
Part A1
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Subject: Math
, Objective: Students will be able to solve simple addition problems.
Standard: CC.2.2.K.A.1 Extend concepts of putting together and taking apart to add and
subtract within 10.
Part A2
Drawing can be incorporated into this lesson about improving students’ understanding by
having them draw pictures to help solve addition problems. Adding can be difficult for students
to master in kindergarten. I have realized that in my classroom, students benefit from drawing
pictures to provide them with a visual to help solve the problem. For example, my students will
struggle and give up if I show them five plus two without visuals. If I provide pictures of the