Who better than Pam Harris to help you introduce K–2 students to mathematical reasoning—the language, the music, and the poetry of mathematics. A must-read book filled with teaching strategies and creative ideas.

Jo Boaler, Stanford University

The abilities to count and to add are foundational to mathematics. All that follows is built upon these cornerstones. Get it right and math becomes ‘figure-out-able.’ In this book, Harris gives us the tools to get it right. Through real classroom examples, Harris takes us through strategies that are easy to adopt and effective in getting and keeping students engaged in the work of understanding mathematics.

Peter Liljedahl, Simon Fraser University;

It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse this transformative book. At the heart of this work is a compelling discussion of reasoning. Through rich narratives and classroom vignettes, we see that math fact fluency is not only figure-out-able but enjoyable—sparking curiosity and confidence in every student. In short, this book is a masterclass in making math fact fluency meaningful and accessible for all.

Dr. Nicki Newton, Newton Education Solutions

This book is a gift to primary teachers. It offers clear ideas we can use right away to help students build real understanding and develop as mathematical thinkers. From counting to additive reasoning, and through the power of models and Problem Strings, this book supports teachers in making instruction more purposeful and responsive.

Graham Fletcher

Finally, the book that K–2 educators have been waiting for is here! Harris wrote a book that explores the complexity of foundational numeracy skills and shares research-based approaches to develop mathematical reasoning with our youngest learners. This book will not only help teachers cultivate curiosity and confidence and build a community of mathers, but it will also help teachers become the mathers they were always meant to be.

Deborah Peart Crayton, My Mathematical Mind

This book empowers K–2 teachers to deeply explore and understand the mathematics of the early grades, equipping them to foster students’ mathematical reasoning and conceptual understanding. Grounded in research and filled with practical classroom examples, it offers valuable guidance for transforming early elementary math instruction.

Marria Carrington, Mount Holyoke College

What a powerful resource for equipping mathematics educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their students’ mathematical reasoning and promote their confidence as mathematicians!

Janet D. Nuzzie, Pasadena Independent School District

If you’ve ever heard Pam Harris talk about the Levels of Sophistication in Mathematical Reasoning and thought, ‘I get it but what does that look like with MY students??’ This book delivers! It reveals how young children develop counting skills and thinking strategies for mathematical operations. You’ll gain insights into student development, practical tasks to showcase their thinking, and modeling techniques that benefit every child in your classroom.

Christina Tondevold, Build Math Minds

Pam Harris offers teachers another invaluable resource for transitioning from repetitive procedural instruction to helping students develop deeper, more conceptual understanding of mathematics. Through numerous examples of student thinking about mathematical concepts in the K–2 classroom, she provides extensive treatment of the ways children approach problem solving. This comprehensive approach will certainly prove helpful for teachers who are developing their understanding of how students learn to make sense of mathematics independently.

John Tapper, All Learners Network Inc.

This is a must-read for all K–2 teachers. Harris helps teachers understand how they can set their young learners up for long-term success in the math classroom. This book provides teachers with a resource that combines content knowledge, high quality instructional practices and ready-made instructional materials all in one! Upper elementary, middle school and even high school math teachers would all benefit from reading this book and better understanding the development of mathematical reasoning, too.

Brandon Pelter, Bridgeport Public Schools

This book is a game-changer for educators. With clear examples and practical strategies, it empowers teachers to transform their instructional practices. Packed with ‘aha’ moments and insights into the teaching and learning of mathematics, it inspires confidence in all of us. This is a must-read for anyone looking to make math instruction more meaningful for students while supporting the teacher with the ‘why’ behind it all.

Jennifer Lempp

Math reasoning kicks algorithms to the curb when students engage their brains (not just their pencils) to solve problem strings using a variety of strategies. Harris takes the guess work out of teaching computation strategies intentionally by providing problem strings, teaching tips, and sentence frames for beginning and experienced teachers.

Carrie S. Cutler, University of Houston

This latest book from Pam Harris takes research related to the major milestones of mathematical development in the primary grades and transforms it into a language that is easy to understand. Using carefully chosen examples, real world experiences, and student voices, Harris has written a book that is illuminating and practical. Primary educators, whether new to the profession or seasoned experts, will find ideas here that resonate and challenge them to listen closely in order to further thinking.

David Woodward, Forefront Education