Math Journals

This year I've been getting more into math journals. I used them a lot when taught third grade and I'm not quite sure why, but I kind of got out of the habit over the past few years. This year, I knew I wanted to make it a priority. To get started, I purchased the entire year's worth of journal prompts from Ana Brantley.

Instead of using a composition book or spiral, I just folded a few pieces of paper inside a cover that I whipped up. This way I can send it home at the end of each month and the parents can get an idea of what we've been up to.

Want a little tip? See those little circle stickers above their names? I use 4 or 5 different sets of matching stickers to group the journals. That way I can call them up to check a few at a time. For example, I might say, "All the candy corns bring up your journal" or "All the owls leave your journals open on your desk". It's just a fun way for me to spot check them as we go along. They never know which group I'm going to call, plus it's a good way to use up those little stickers!

I made covers for each month - just simple stuff, but they do the trick. Just click {HERE} to download from GoogleDocs.

Here's a peek inside a few. Some of their answers crack me up, but I love how they're learning to express math ideas in writing. Very common core friendly, by the way. These are all from Ana's set. We just glue the prompt right into the journal. I suppose they could just copy the prompt too.

I have seen lots of amazing journals with flaps and tabs and drawings. I may work my way up to that kind of thing, but for now I'm letting the kids get the hang of how to explain their mathematical thinking. I don't do a page each day either. I try to squeeze in at least 2-3 a week. I've also added some pages with math vocabulary as it comes up and sometimes I even sneak in a few higher level practice problems.  I'm probably breaking some math journal rule - but I'm a rebel like that. I've been keeping a running list of some of my own prompts. You can get those {HERE} if you'd like. As I add more, I'll share them too.

If you know of any other good math journal resources for 2nd-3rd graders, I'd love to hear about them!