Do you use math journals?
I always have good intentions, but never followed through all year until this past school year.
I really liked that we could use them as a way to review before our end of year testing.
I found that a little bit of prep work helped keep me on track. For instance, we worked hard all year using expressions, equations, and models to help solve word problems. I printed out word problems ahead of time and kept them handy for the beginning of math class. Right after our calendar time, we grabbed the word problems, glued them in our journals, and got to work.
I've taken this to a higher level with a twist on the same idea. Instead of giving the kiddos a word problem, I'm giving them an answer and requiring them to write a multiplication word problem.
After filling out the info in the grid, they write an explanation for their work on the back. They must use complete sentences.
I've added a new product to my stores that includes 30 slides for large group work and 30 smaller versions in black and white to be glued in journals or placed in math stations.
I always have good intentions, but never followed through all year until this past school year.
I really liked that we could use them as a way to review before our end of year testing.
I found that a little bit of prep work helped keep me on track. For instance, we worked hard all year using expressions, equations, and models to help solve word problems. I printed out word problems ahead of time and kept them handy for the beginning of math class. Right after our calendar time, we grabbed the word problems, glued them in our journals, and got to work.
I've taken this to a higher level with a twist on the same idea. Instead of giving the kiddos a word problem, I'm giving them an answer and requiring them to write a multiplication word problem.
I've added a new product to my stores that includes 30 slides for large group work and 30 smaller versions in black and white to be glued in journals or placed in math stations.
Click on the pic below to see it in my TpT Store.
I love that idea! It looks so easy too!
ReplyDeleteKids Math Teacher
I was better at using math journaling this year too!! I like your idea of giving them the answer and coming up with the problem :-)
ReplyDeleteWe dont introduce Multiplication until the end of the year though. I would have them glue the word problem in their journal, show it in a picture, write out the equation showing their work and explain how they got their answer or as I called it prove your work. I put these on my wish list!! We used your Morning Work all the end of last year and they LOVED it :-)
Karen
tommysmom0206@yahoo.com
I do use math journals but I use them more like to glue in their foldables, take notes, or write examples of how to do something. They don't really use them to work problems out. Perhaps I shall....
ReplyDeleteI really like how you give the kids such open ended problems. The things they could come up with are so vast! Lots of great thinking going on in your room this year I bet!
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Teaching in Room 6
My goal this year is to use them more! I fizzle out because I don't have something already made up! I love yours! I teach 2nd grade.....would you be willing to do some addition and subtraction ones????
ReplyDeleteI started math journals strong, but the petered out for the same reason. I don't have anything pre-made and I teach second grade. I started with a first grade math journal prompt packet but it was too easy. I would love to hear if anyone has a second grade packet out there.
ReplyDeleteI am starting math journals next year. I've wanted to do this for a while, so I'm going to make it happen! Also, I spent the last two days at the math common core training with some of your colleagues. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer,
Rebecca
The Teacher's Chatterbox,
Rebecca