This study was concerned with determining the effectiveness of two methods of teaching arithmetic in the first grade. The primary dimension of this problem was to determine and compare the arithmetic achievement of an experimental group using the Cuisenaire program and the achievement of a control group using a conventional program for the purpose of finding which was the more efficient. The secondary dimension of the problem was to determine whether socio-economic status or sex affects the achievement which results from either the conventional or the Cuisenaire method of instruction.