Math Journals

Kindergarten Mathematics

Math Journals

Students need many opportunities to write in mathematics.

Journaling can be done as a warm-up, independent work, closing, or assessment activity. Also referred to as math journals or problem-solving notebooks, they provide a visual timeline of student learning and insight into their math work and thinking. Counting rhymes Links to an external site. are an excellent journal tool for cross-curricular concepts, as well.

Good Questions

Journals prompts can also be developed through good questions. Good questions are open-ended questions that provide many entry points for students. They naturally differentiate. They require students to think before responding. They are valuable for starting discussions. They support the distinguished actions of a component 3B Using Questioning Prompts/Discussion Techniques of the Danielson Framework.

"Writing in math class supports learning because it requires students to organize, clarify, and reflect on their ideas--all useful processes for making sense of mathematics. In addition, when students write, their papers provide a window into their understandings, their misconceptions, and their feelings about the content.”

Burns, M. (2004). Writing in Math. Educational Leadership. Oct. 2004 (30)

The HCPSS Good Questioning - 2009.pdf Download HCPSS Good Questioning - 2009.pdf resource can be used to inspire good questions for mathematics instruction, and should be modified to support Maryland's College and Career-Ready Standards for kindergarten and individual student need.

Visit K-5 Math Teaching Resources Links to an external site.for more journaling information and resources.