Teaching Elementary Mathematics to Struggling Learners

“It is amazing how much solid information has been shoehorned into this rather thin volume. Witzel and Little provide myriad references to research-based studies, unambiguous examples of mathematical difficulties that students encounter, and a broad spectrum of instructional strategies and intervention techniques….The content is appropriate for those instructing students of all levels of ability and needs….This book will be a valuable resource for both preservice teachers and seasoned professionals….Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and practitioners.”

—Choice Reviews


“This book is a welcome addition to the literature. The authors include many helpful examples of research-supported assessment and instructional practices for making mathematics accessible to students with learning difficulties, and explain why these difficulties occur. The book provides in-depth discussions of critical mathematical content and practices that every elementary school teacher needs to master in order to meet all students' needs. It would be an excellent text for undergraduate- or master's-level general or special education courses.”

—David H. Allsopp, PhD, Department of Teaching and Learning, University of South Florida


“Wow! It is nice to go into a new school year with fresh ideas—this book will definitely influence my teaching. It makes a lot of eye-opening points, backed by solid research. The book offers strategies for teaching and reinforcing math vocabulary and fluency from an early age. It presents a variety of games and activities for each specific math skill, which I can't wait to implement in the classroom.”

—Brooke Niemann, special education teacher and math coach, The Pathway School, Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania


“An excellent, timely, teacher-friendly resource. Witzel and Little do a wonderful job of blending research-based practices with instructional recommendations that teachers can implement immediately. This book is a 'must have' in today’s inclusive mathematics classroom.”

—Paul J. Riccomini, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University


“This book provides essential knowledge for general and special educators and coaches, guiding them to present simple to complex mathematical concepts through language-rich instruction. Teachers will gain a better understanding of what students struggle with, as well as why. I plan to use this book as a text in my methods course for teacher candidates in special education. It has great potential for giving preservice teachers a stronger foundation in math and helping them make instruction accessible and meaningful to struggling learners.”

—Sharlene A. Kiuhara, PhD, Department of Special Education, The University of Utah


“An ideal guide for educators. The book outlines the progression of math learning and provides strategies for supporting all students, particularly at-risk students and those with disabilities. Any preservice or inservice teacher would benefit from the ideas and tools that Witzel and Little present.”

—Mabra H. Wayman, math instructional coach and interventionist, Rock Hill School District, South Carolina