Seeing the Math You Teach, Grades K-6

Too often, in mathematics, we are in a rush to move from the concrete to abstract. In doing so, we overlook the visual. This book is an excellent reminder of the importance of the visual. It not only helps us understand how visuals can help students see mathematics but also helps us see what students see when they are doing mathematics. This book is a necessity for every K–6 teacher. -- Peter Liljedahl * Burnaby, BC, Canada *
Seeing the Math You Teach delivers exactly what it promises—math you can actually see. The visuals are clean, clear, and do the heavy lifting, making tricky concepts far more intuitive for both students and teachers. If you’ve ever struggled to explain fractions without resorting to interpretive dance, this book is for you. -- Fawn Nguyen * Oak View, CA *
If we’re serious about equity in math, we must change how we teach it. Seeing the Math You Teach gives parents and teachers the tools to do just that—by using visual models and brain-friendly strategies that support all kids, not just those labeled as ‘high achievers,’ in developing real mathematical understanding. -- Pam Seda * Atlanta, GA *
Seeing the Math You Teach is an essential resource for educators looking to deepen their mathematical understanding and better support their students. Through clear visuals and a progression of conceptual development, this book helps teachers see how students think and learn, allowing them to meet each learner where they are. A must-have for building instructional confidence and fostering meaningful mathematical understanding in the classroom! -- Graham Fletcher * Atlanta, GA *
This book is a valuable resource for teachers who want to make math more accessible and meaningful for all students. With clear explanations, visual support, and practical strategies, it helps break down abstract concepts so that every learner can engage and build understanding. Grounded in how children learn, this book offers thoughtful guidance for creating lessons that support problem-solving, confidence, and a genuine connection to math. -- Melynee Naegele * Claremore, OK *
Teachers often ask, ‘How can I ratchet up the quality of my math teaching to better engage my students in mathematical thinking and to deepen their understanding of math beyond answer-getting?’ Call this helpful book ‘A Compendium of Math Representations’ because it provides a slew of topic-specific ways to picture mathematics. By including these multiple representations in our lessons, we ensure that all the active, yet different, brains in our classrooms can ‘get it.’ -- Steven Leinwand * Washington, DC *
Seeing the Math You Teach is an essential resource that transforms mathematics into a visual and accessible experience for all students. This comprehensive guide will undoubtedly become a favorite among teachers, showing signs of frequent use as they refer to it time and time again! -- Ann Elise Record * Concord, NH *
Seeing the Math You Teach is a valuable resource that brings clarity to mathematical representations. It will help you make essential concepts more accessible for all learners. The practical strategies and visual models will empower you to foster deeper understanding and greater confidence in math. -- John SanGiovanni * Westminster, MD *
I’ve shared about the ‘Sweet Spot of the C-R-A model,’ where you do an activity that includes all 3 and the power that has with building your students’ understanding. Seeing the Math You Teach is full of representations to help you get to that ‘Sweet Spot.’ -- Christina Tondevold * Orofino, ID *
If you want to see math visually, then this is the book for you! Seeing the Math You Teach shows us what math looks like. It’s an easy-to-read reference book that will be on my desk to share with teachers (and students!) -- Laura Vizdos Tomas * West Palm Beach, FL *
With clear explanations and powerful visual representations, Seeing the Math You Teach is an indispensable resource for K–6 teachers looking to deepen their understanding of mathematics and how students learn it. Packed with practical strategies, this book empowers educators to guide students beyond rote memorization toward true mathematical comprehension by bridging the gap between abstract concepts and hands-on, visual learning. A must-have for any teacher committed to helping students see, explore, and master math with confidence. -- Chase Orton * Culver City, CA *
Seeing the Math You Teach is an essential resource for teachers, instructional aides, special educators, and those entering the profession through alternative certification. As a district math coordinator, I appreciate how the book’s clear visuals, concise text, and embedded video clips make complex mathematical representations immediately accessible—not just for educators, but also for parents and caregivers supporting math learning at home. An eye-opening approach to visualizing mathematics! -- Tara Fulton * Yuma, AZ *
This book is a must-read for educators and caregivers who want to foster sense-making in mathematics. The authors present clear, comprehensive visual representations that make abstract concepts understandable. A valuable resource for anyone who is eager to provide children with rich and connected mathematical experiences. -- Amy Chang * South Hadley, MA *
Seeing the Math You Teach is more than just a resource—it’s a toolbox for teachers, packed with practical ideas to help make math visible and meaningful. It gives you simple ways to break down big concepts and help every student truly get it. -- Bryan Borden * Buckeye, AZ *