Abstract: Mental retardation means a child with below-average intelligence. In other words, they have less learning ability compared to others. This situation causes difficulties in understanding abstract mathematical materials. In addition, it appears that the materials presented by the teacher is considered to be less interesting and boring, while the model of the presentation of material that is fun, interesting, and easy to understand is one of the factors that influence learning success. Students are fed up with the presentation model of the material with media that the teacher uses repeatedly. Therefore, teachers’ creativity and innovation are needed in utilizing the media, with ability to set it into concepts that are interesting and fun for their students. It is expected that future learning needs can be optimally fulfilled. Thus, this study aims to develop teaching materials through learning media in the form of pop-up books so that the understanding of mathematical concepts of mental retardation students can develop optimally. This type of research is a development model, in which teaching material is developed using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development and Production, Implementation, Evaluation) and validated by two expert councils. The implementation is conducted in a limited way that by one school to see the practicality and effectiveness of the pop-up book. The benefit of this research is to give some image of pop-books as an alternative to facilitate the mentally retarded students’ learning in recognizing mathematical concepts.

Key words: mentally retarded students, understanding mathematical concepts, pop-up books