I firmly believe the problem with math education is they move to rapidly from physicaly reality (1 stick + 1 stick = 2 sticks) to abstraction.  A^2 + B^2 = C^2.  If they would teach, for example, the pythagorean theorum but showing you how the squares outside the triangle add up, kids would have a much easier time learning the abstracted algrebra behind it.  It's a sin they steal geometry from our children.