(easier version)

 
Brrr! It's been so cold where we live in the Midwest that yesterday the schools were closed! Fortunately for their parents I was able to take care of my nephews, Barney and Danny, and their cousin, Gina. We had lots of fun doing puzzles, playing games, and reading books, but by early afternoon the boys were ready to watch a video and Gina wanted to make valentines. I set up a valentine making station on the kitchen table, complete with red and pink paper, doilies, stickers, markers, glue, glitter and other things I had been saving for just such an occasion. After the video was over, the boys wanted to see Gina’s valentine creations.
 

"Not until you guess how many I made," said Gina, holding her cards behind her back.

"It would be more fun if you gave us some clues, Gina," suggested Barney. "Then we wouldn’t have to guess. We could figure it out."
 

What do you think? Was Barney able to figure out how many valentines Gina made while they watched a video? Will you be able to? When you have figured it out, be sure to show an adult and talk with them about how you figured it out. They may be surprised at how you did it. They might have thought about it a different way. It's always interesting to see how different people think about solving math problems. Remember, the best way is the way that makes sense to you!

Aunt Mathilda