Everything is looking pretty festive around our house. My husband and son helped me put up outdoor twinkling lights over the Thanksgiving holiday, and last Friday Barney, Danny and Gina were visiting and helped me decorate our holiday tree.

"Where did you get so many cute decorations?" asked Gina. 
 

"Oh, I get them as presents from my students," I said smiling as I hung one that said "World’s Greatest Teacher."

"You must have enough to decorate two trees!" said Danny, holding his favorite, a gingerbread house decoration. "Say, this reminds me -- when are we going to make cookies?" (Danny is always thinking about food.)
 
 

"We’ll tell you while we sample those cookies!" added Danny, heading for the kitchen.

While eating the cookies, Danny explained the challenge.
 

"I guess you wouldn’t be satisfied with the answer 'a lot!,' would you?" I said laughing. "Well, I’d better have another cookie while I think about this one!" I said, reaching for the plate.

Can you get this challenge "wrapped up?" How many presents do you think each child wrapped?
 

After you think about this awhile and work out the answer, be sure to show an adult your solution and talk with them about it. They may be surprised at how you thought about it. They might have thought about it a different way that might surprise you too. It's always interesting to see how different people think about math problems. Remember, the best way is the way that makes sense to you!

Love, Aunt Mathilda