Many primary grade students will chant addition facts at any opportunity. "5+5 = 10, 100+ 100 = 200." However, many of these students are not aware of what those numbers they have memorized actually mean, and how to explain it to others. One way to help children develop a better sense of numbers is through the use of objects such as unifix cubes, pattern blocks, coins etc. Another way to help students understand their own mathematical thinking is through the use of math journals.
Math Journals: Asking Children to Write About Math
A math journal is simply a blank notebook, with or without lines. Each day the student receives a "prompt" and glues it into his or her math journal. For example, in kindergarten it may say something like, "Two dogs played with two cats." Next, the student will begin to work in the math journal. Depending on his or her level, the student could do many different things with the prompt mentioned.
First, the student could draw a picture of two dogs and two cats. This would help students who are just beginning to understand numbers see what two looks like, and what two and two put together look like. A student who is ready for a little more could add the equation, "2+2 = 4." If a student is ready to go beyond an equation, he or she could write a number story related to the prompt. For example, "Two dogs were playing in the park and two cats joined in. How many animals were playing in the park in all?"
Differentiated Instruction: Math Journal Ideas Kindergarten, First and Second Grade
Kindergarten prompts can include topics on positional words, patterns, shapes etc. Some examples of kindergarten prompts include:
- There were two napkins on the table and two napkins under the table.
- Draw a pattern found outside.
- A girl had three cookies, but she shared one with her friend.
- Gina's mom gave her five pennies and her dad gave her three pennies.
Since math journals are so differentiated, many of these topics could be used in first grade with the expectation that c hildren would have to include a number sentence if applicable, a number story, a more complicated pattern etc. However, first grade prompts could also include topics such as time and money. For example:
- Julie has three nickels and one quarter.
- Tom left the house at 9:00 and got to school at 9:15.
- Show a number pattern.
- Yolanda counted five coins: two pennies, one dime and two quarters.
Second grade students could challenge themselves by explaining their thinking. For example, if they were given the prompt, "Tom wants two pieces of candy that cost $.15 each and a deck of cards that cost $.50. Tom only has .75 cents, what can he do?" Students could explain that $.50+.15+.15= .90 which is .15 cents more than Tom has (because .90-.75 = .15). This means he can only get the deck of cards and one piece of candy. If he absolutely must have two pieces of candy then he will be unable to buy the deck of cards.
Asking students to think about math in this way on a daily basis will help them to be more prepared for standardized tests that ask them to show their work and explain their thinking. It will also help teachers see where students have gaps in their mathematical thinking to better plan future instruction for that student. Math journals can be fit in either during a regular math period, or first thing in the morning as students are entering the classroom.
For more information about math journals, visit Mrs. Mikesell's Elementary Teacher Resources.
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