Summer & Math Journaling

I've been MIA lately.  We've been a little busy (as has everyone during summer).  We've been enjoying birthday parties and a visit to the beach. 

It's the gulf so no beautiful blue water, but the girls still loved it. 

I'm getting excited about CAMT coming up.  My fellow presenter, Reagan @ Tunstall's Teaching Tidbits has been working hard on getting all the needed supplies.  It's my turn to help, so I'll be picking up some relish for our Place Value Picnic presentation for CAMT. 

I've been slacking on anything work related.  I only get about 5 weeks off (lovely administrator calendar) and I had to complete defensive driving (OMG....so painful online)  since I got a ticket in May on my way to work Grrrr 

But I got inspired this week to start to share my Math Journal.  I have used Math Journaling since I started teaching and it's been a work in progress every year.  I have done this training for my current district for about five years at all grade levels.  I teach my students that their journal is a wonderful resource throughout the year.  My goal is that every journal be their own, which just as much student writing as goodies I add to it.  Many times the notes we make (aka copies) can easily take over their journal.  We discuss, as a class, that we will do many activities together to add to their journal.  I encourage them to take it home daily to help them and parents when working on homework.  I do require it to be with them EVERYDAY.  I give away rewards to those who have it periodically throughout the year, random journal check kids!  Who's got it????? 10 points on your quiz!  I also periodically allow them an open-journal quiz, but it's never known ahead of time insert evil laugh.  Here's a sneak peek....

I bring lots of scrapbooking materials, wrapping paper, cardstock, and lots of stickers.  The first week of school we all decorate our journal.  I allow students to decorate however they please, but I verify any stickers and materials to make sure no vulgar language or pictures are on it. 

We have a pocket on the inside to keep our "never lose" items.

Example page - includes a 12x12 multiplication table that students have to fill in and then we discuss "special" numbers like square numbers and prime numbers. 

I am working on gathering all the files and editing them.  I've been doing math journaling for ten years so the files are on about 5 different flash drives/hard drives.  I will be sharing numerous freebies from my math journals...so check back periodically. 

Have a great weekend!