Day 14: What Numeracy Means to Christmas....

Numeracy has become my new favorite word.  Numeracy, Numeracy, Numeracy....

Wikipedia defines numeracy as:  the ability to reason with numbers and other mathematical concepts. A numerically literate person can manage and respond to the mathematical demands of life.  Aspects of numeracy include number sense, operation sense, computation, measurement, geometry, probability and statistics.

What does this mean for Christmas?

I'll tell you!

This means four calling birds aren't six.

This means when I start an Advent blog I have to come up twenty-five witty or somewhat coherent blog posts.

This means how many gifts does each child need or want and what is my budget for each child and if I use a credit card for said purchases what is the interest rate and is the gift really worth it.

This means that if we are going to make the gingerbread houses I need to measure the sides so they match up just right and have enough red and green gumdrops and peppermint swirls for my son to complete his roof patterns without throwing a hissy fit it didn't come out even.

This means there are eight tiny reindeer not counting Rudolph who was added later.

This means planning out Santa's route around the world and how fast he is going and if he starts in Papua New Guinea when will he get to North Carolina?

This means fluffing a Christmas tree and putting the spherical ornaments in "triangular" formations. 

This means counting how many children are in line before yours to see Santa Claus at a shopping center, then looking at your watch to see how long you will be there and if you should get a tall, grande, or venti latte from Starbucks and still be able to wait in line before someone (you) has to go potty.

This means if you have to be at the church in your angel and cattle costumes at 9:15 ready to be in a pageant, you better set your alarm three hours early and have three outfits ready to go.

This means if you plan a cookie swap and need to bake a dozen cookies for each child and everyone RSVPS yes then you better start baking....

This means if you go to the Dollar Tree for ornaments and other plastic Christmas bling, it will all still be a dollar, so just count by ones....then multiply your tax whatever it is this week...

This means you will lose track of how many times you watch A Christmas Story, but the kid will ask for that gun every single time.

This means you really, really love your job, but know that those two weeks off are well deserved and you will go back to work ready to love your students,colleagues, and more numeracy!

Rock on teachers and have a nice long break!!!!