Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Formatives in 5: Writing & Math Journals

There is such POWER in writing and journals--in all subject areas.  An INTENTIONAL question or prompt can provide such valuable information regarding where they are in their learning!  Let's take a look at  math journal examples found in some of our own BPS  Math Cadre Classrooms!


As you can see, Math Journals can be a learning tool for students, helping them make sense of the math. It can also be a great way for you to check for understanding and misconceptions.  

11 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing these math journal examples. They do not need to be as complicated as I previously thought.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Using labels resonated with me for notes on my students' progress on the literacy standards.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I like the fraction bar prompt example. I'm going to use this in my classroom. What a strong example of what the kiddos already know/do not know about fractions.


    -Brandon Cox
    McKinley Elementary

    ReplyDelete
  4. One of my goals for next year is to use math journals in a more intentional way to help me see what my kiddos do/don't know on a concept. I really appreciated the examples you shared with us- I definitely think this is something that I can do with my littles.

    -Destiney LeCompte
    Washington Elementary

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you! I love the idea of kids leaving "tracks of their thinking." This ties into what was shared at my PLC about the value of linguistic assessments. The more kids are reflecting in writing, the more of an increase in learning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  6. I love the authenticity of the math journals. It allows for the kids to verbalize their understanding which is so important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES! Being authentic is key! Often times, when using a "canned set" of math journal prompts isn't authentic. Rather, asking those intentional questions relating to what it is you want students to make sense of and share their knowledge is critical.

      Delete
  7. I have been trying to find a way for the students to use their math notebooks in a way that better shows their understanding, thank you for the great (easy) ideas to add depth to student comprehension and ways to help me better direct instruction.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you found it helpful. So much of it has to do with a quality, intentional question!

      Delete
  8. I appreciate how the journal examples can be helpful to teachers AND parents as we work together to understand that this isn’t “new” math, but that it encourages flexible thinking in math. Math has always been about building flexible thinking skills and it’s a bummer that many of us adults never had the opportunity to engage with it in this way.

    ReplyDelete

Formatives in 5: Writing & Math Journals

There is such POWER in writing and journals--in all subject areas.  An INTENTIONAL question or prompt can provide such valuable information ...