Hands-on, Practical Guidance for Educators

From math, literacy, equity, multilingual learners, and SEL, to assessment, school counseling, and education leadership, our books are research-based and authored by experts on topics most relevant to what educators are facing today.

 

Male flipping through Corwin book

Readers Read. Writers Write. Mathers Math!

Bridging the Gap Between Literacy and Mathematics

Foreword by Jennifer M. Bay-Williams

This book introduces a groundbreaking framework to support educators in transforming their own math identities and creating classrooms that redefine the concept of literacy to include numeracy, so that every student feels capable, confident, and excited about math.

Full description

Product Details
  • Grade Level: PreK-5
  • ISBN: 9781071949139
  • Published By: Corwin
  • Series: Corwin Mathematics Series
  • Year: 2025
  • Page Count: 248
  • Publication date: September 02, 2025
Price: $39.95

Review Copies

This book is not available as a review copy.

Description

Early Literacy + Early Numeracy = Academic Success

When it comes to math, educators can feel the same tension they see in their students—from uncertainty and anxiety to a lack of confidence in their own skills. This mindset creates barriers in teaching and learning and perpetuates disparities in achievement. Readers Read. Writers Write. Mathers Math!: Bridging the Gap Between Literacy and Mathematics introduces a groundbreaking framework to support educators in transforming their own math identities and creating classrooms that redefine the concept of literacy to include numeracy, so that every student feels capable, confident, and excited about math.

Author Deborah Peart Crayton challenges the notion that math is optional; instead she empowers educators to build a positive relationship with math while helping their students do the same. Grounded in the belief that math, like literacy, is essential for navigating the world, this book offers strategies and tips to reshape math instruction and create a supportive environment where every student thrives.

Through storytelling, practical tools, actionable plans, and “mathfirmations,” this book

  • Redefines mathematics as a vital part of life
  • Applies literacy teaching strategies to math instruction to inspire math engagement outside of the traditional block
  • Integrates math into reading, writing, and other subjects for meaningful, cross-curricular learning
  • Uses oral traditions, visual storytelling, and interdisciplinary methods to create a joyful, rich, and holistic learning experience

Whether you’re building confidence in your own math skills or looking to foster a community of math enthusiasts in your classroom, this book will equip you to lead the way. By viewing math as an essential life skill rather than an exclusive discipline, every child can realize their potential as a Mather!

Author(s)

Deborah Peart Crayton photo

Deborah Peart Crayton

Deborah Peart Crayton is the founder and Queen Mather of My Mathematical Mind. She started the #MatherMovement to disrupt the idea that math is optional. Deborah is a sought-after keynote speaker and dynamic elementary education consultant. With over 30 years in the field of education, Deborah speaks on a variety of topics related to math identity, elementary math content and instructional practices, and literacy connections to mathematics. She has shared her message at the local, regional, and national levels at state, district, and community events, and educational conferences.

Deborah is an expert at creating invitational and nurturing environments to cultivate positive mathematical identities, and has served in that capacity as a mentor and coach for elementary educators for over 20 years. She has had success with adapting instruction while maintaining grade-level expectations and possesses a deep knowledge of instructional practices and frameworks to engage all learners, including Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), Math Recovery, the Orton-Gillingham Approach, and Mathematical Language Routines (MLR).

Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and early childhood education, a master’s degree in educational studies with a concentration in literacy, graduate endorsements in elementary mathematics and teacher development, and is pursuing a doctorate degree in education program development and innovation. Her research interests are focused on the connections between math anxiety and math teaching efficacy and effective practices for developing high-quality professional learning. Deborah has dedicated her career and doctoral studies to supporting educators with innovative teaching strategies that allow students to see themselves as assets to the learning community and curious problem-solvers. Deborah believes that all children deserve high-quality instruction and the opportunity to become competent readers, writers, and mathers.

Table of Contents

Foreword


Preface: Mathers 4 Life


Featured Mathers


Introduction: Is Math Optional?


Part 1: Readers Read. Writers Write. Mathers Math!


Chapter 1: We are all Readers, Writers, and Mathers!


Chapter 2: Redefining the Core Academic Skills


Chapter 3: Let’s Share Stories NOT Problems!


Part 2: Mathers Gonna Math!: Taking Math outside of the Math Block


Chapter 4: Mathematizing Across Content Areas


Chapter 5: Don’t Skip the Fun Stuff!


Part 3: Building a Community of Readers, Writers, and Mathers


Chapter 6: Becoming the Mather Your Students Need you to Be


Chapter 7: Creating the Conditions for Positive Math (Learning) Experiences


Chapter 8: Summing it up!


References


Price: $39.95

Review Copies

This book is not available as a review copy.