English: Numeracy, or number literacy, consists of many related skills. One important component is the ability to perform simple arithmetic operations almost automatically, thus freeing the brain to work on a higher level.

Here, a high school student in Laos leads younger students in a game called Number Bingo. They roll 3 dice, and combine the numbers with basic math symbols (plus and minus; other operations can be added for older students) to make a number. They cover that number on the board. The first team to get four in a row is the winner. Students improve their math skills while having fun. They also learn strategic thinking: “Is it better on this move to make three in a row for our team, or to block the opponent, who is just one number from victory?”

This game was played at "Discovery Day," a day of hands-on activities organized by Big Brother Mouse, a literacy organization in Laos. Students also attended read-aloud sessions, conducted simple science experiments, examined minerals and fossils, and looked through a solar telescope.