Saturday, July 6, 2013

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! 

8 comments:

  1. This is SO awesome! I can't wait to see more!

    Tina
    Crofts' Classroom

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    1. Hi Tina,
      Thanks for stopping by. I'm working on getting these files updated, but had to take a break to cut out lamination for CAMT.

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  2. Yay! You are back!! The journal looks so helpful! Now get practicing on what you are saying on Wednesday! I already have stage fright!

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    1. Sorry...I've been slacking (aka enjoying the short vacation we have). I thought you were doing the talking....lol

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  3. Oh my gosh! Your journal is amazing and you have inspired me! I am starting my second year teaching 3rd grade and I need all the help from teachers like you that I can get! I'm going to start creating mine tonight! I can't wait until we can purchase the files! Thanks for being such a model teacher for the rest of us!

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  4. LOVE your math journal! Have been contemplating this idea all summer! Can't wait to see more information on yours...it looks like a great resource for kids! Also, what do all of your tabs down the side say?

    Thanks for all of your great ideas! You're amazing!

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    1. Briana
      The tabs on side are the concept. I've tried every which way to organize my journals, including a table of contents but I always seemed to add things throughout and numbering would be off...which left me irritated. I plan to upload the tabs on TpT, but still trying to figure out if I should make them editable or not.

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  5. Do you have something in your math journal for EVERY lesson??? I am thinking about starting these with my 6th graders but I am a little unclear about some things.

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