Math literate?

Hello readers! I welcome you to my blog, Blooming Hearts and Minds. To begin, a brief introduction of myself and my purpose for writing:

My name is Elizabeth Harrison. I am a 23-year-old college graduate, specializing in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. My intention after graduating was to go into Child Clinical Psychology. I have always connected extraordinarily well with children, and I knew I wanted to fulfill a role in which I could encourage youth directly. I applied last minute for three clinical psych programs, interviewed with one, and was accepted by none. I took the "rejection" in stride and let this "door closing" lead me to my next adventure - Minnesota Reading Corps (MRC).

Love. Head over heels love.

In this position, I worked directly with upwards of 30 bright young minds over the course of the school year. I fell in love with the school I served in and developed an intense passion for education, particularly literacy education. I found myself checking out book after book covering debated topics of education and theories on how to best connect with students. I decided during this year of service that teaching was the path for me. I honestly feel it is not just my chosen career but rather, my vocation (Parker Palmer is one of my favorite author, thanks to a liberal arts education bountiful in theology and philosophy emphases).

I am taking courses right now that allow me to work toward my license in Elementary Education. One of those courses is Math of Elementary Teachers I, a course which is requiring me to create and update this blog. I have always wanted to have a blog of my own, so I am grateful for this mandatory jumpstart.

As mentioned, my experiences through MRC encouraged me to explore literacy education. By literacy, I am referring to the ability to read, write, think critically, etc. - all elements we commonly think of when this term "literacy" is thrown around. Just a week in, my Math for Elementary Teachers course is prompting me to discover alternative facets of literacy - math literacy, to name one. I am still trying to discover what exactly "math literacy" refers to.

To you, what does it mean to be "math literate?" How can we teach our students to become "math literate?"

I look forward to exploring this question among others with input from those in my class and the education world as a whole. I appreciate any feedback and look forward to this learning experience with all of you!