One, Two, Three … Math Journals!
November 15, 2011I use math journals to promote my Firsties problem solving skills… Math journals are a fantastic way for students to write about their math thinking. It allows teachers to clearly see how their students thought process are recorded. Not an easy one… Thinking logically is a difficult task for young children. This is why it is so important for teachers to model how to write in their math journals …
Each student has a math journal duo tang. I glue the cover page on the front of the duo tang. Then I insert 4- 6 clear plastic inserts into their duo tang. This is where I place pages that they could refer to … such as number words, addition & subtraction words, days of the week, months of the year, counting by 1’s,2’s,5’s,10’s…, coins, and telling time. These pages are so important, as they foster independence … Again, students must be taught how to use these pages … MODEL, MODEL, MODEL!!!!
I insert several blank journal writing pages. Then, I create situations or problems for them to solve. I simply copy the problem that I would like for them to work on. I cut them apart and distubute them. Students glue the strip at the top of their math journal writing page. Then…let the thinking and writing begin!
I can’t stress how important it is to model, model, model, how to solve math journal problems. The five areas that I really like to emphasis while working on their math journal problems is problem solving, representation, reasoning, proof & communication, and connections….
Here are some items to get you started. Simply click and download:
Here are some great places to check out. You can purchase their Math Journal Prompts on Teachers Pay Teachers …
First Grade Fanatics Teacher Store
I will post more math journal prompts that I use with my class in the future! I hope you will begin Math Journals, A.S.A.P!!!
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-Mrs. Leslie
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thank you so much for the math journals…love them!
I love your Math journal ideas! Do you have more journal prompts already made besides your Math Journal Prompts 1? Thanks you!
Hi Annie!!
Thanks for your positive feedback .. I plan on creating more math journal prompts this summer .. I promise to get them up before the beginning of the new school year! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m looking at your Math Journal Prompts and like the large colorful pages. The number charts goes only to 100. Is it possible to create a chart that goes to 120? Thanks for all your great ideas.
Your ideas for the Math Journal are awesome. Do you have differentiated prompts as well?