My question is currently (not sure about wording but), How can drawing diagrams when solving word problems, help my 3rd graders understand how to solve and understand a given problem?

Because my students are no longer read the Math test in 3rd grade, it's important for students to read word problems and know what it is that the question is asking. These word problems not only require math skills, but also comprehension skills. Students need to decipher what it is that the problem wants them to do and then go about solving it.

I have 6 focal student. 3 girls, 3 boys. 3 are students who were with me last year, 3 are students who weren't with me last year.

Data: Students are given word problems twice a week. I then interview my focal students after the interview to see if they can give me a more in depth answer than the writing/drawing they did on the diagram. I also have interviews of my focal students.

Thus far it's been interesting to see how students go about solving these problems. Some students rush through these problems (the common mistake that many of my students make) whereas others truly take their time and try to understand what it is that the problem is asking them.

to be continued