Three methods to present in Google Meet and see your participants at the same time:
Add a monitor to your computer or laptop (make sure to extend, not duplicate, the screen)
Use 2 devices/computers and join the meet on each device (you can actually join as yourself twice). On the presentation computer, keep your volume and mic on. On the other computer (the one on which you'll see participants), turn off BOTH the mic and the computer volume.
Split your screen into two windows. Video instructions here.
If you are in the 2 windows and your Google Slides take over when you hit “Present”, CTRL>SHIFT>F brings the windows back.
Don’t forget: You are now able to create a secure Google Meet link from Google Classroom. Kids cannot join the meeting unless you are in, and the link will not work any more once you have hung up AND exited out of the Meet tab. Here are instructions and a video about how to do.