Addition Procedure With Drama Method: Reflections From Primary School First Class Students

In this study, drama method has been used in teaching some concepts about the addition operations in mathematics lessons in primary school first grades; and the data obtained during this teaching process has been presented in detail. The case study method, which is one of the qualitative research designs, has been used in the study. 27 primary school students studying in the city of Şanlıurfa participated in the study. The students were selected according to the criterion sampling method. The data of the study have been collected via semi-structured interviews and observation methods. In the analysis of the study, the descriptive and content analysis methods have been made use of. As a conclusion, it was observed that the students were eager to participate in all the drama activities; however, the students who were only in viewer position had some problems such as getting bored and some discipline problems. Especially at the beginning of the drama activities, the students were enthusiastic, had a desire to play with the materials. In addition, some undisciplined behaviors based on the excitement were observed as well. However, the materials used in the activities draw the attention of the students, motivated them, made them express their feelings more comfortably, and made them eager to participate in the study. As the number of the drama activities grow bigger, most of the students made use not only of the rhythmic counting strategy during addition operations in mathematics, but also performed them by using different strategies that are in agreement with the bringing together property of the addition operations in mathematics lessons.