Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Math Journals

Math Journals, or problem solving notebooks are a great way to get students writing about their mathematical thinking.  They are also especially effective for giving you a glimpse into their problem solving process.

I use math journals almost daily in my class and often start with this strategy to help my students more coherently explain their thinking.











Teaching 4th grade in Nevada means teaching the dreaded constructed response math questions for our state test.  One thing that I have been trying in my class that has been very successful is the making a MESS model for problem solving.


As you can see from the anchor chart the MESS acronym stands for:


M - Model
E - Equation
S- Solution
S- Sentence
The students learn to use the acronym to help them set up a written response to a math problem so that they not only know where to start, but also all of the parts to include.  It is really easy to remember and they LOVE the idea of being encouraged to "Make a Mess".


I started my students off with the anchor chart above, then gave them my math journals which are set up using this method, and include 4 math prompts for each standard.  I print out the ones that my students need to work on most and place them in a folder for math journal time.




This student started to divide the given numbers (963/10) but then raised her hand and asked if she could round first.  I told her, "Try it!" 


The students become better and better at writing responses as we share methods and responses throughout the year.  Towards the end of the year in preparation for testing, I start giving them prompts without the model to guide them.  After working with the MESS model all year, they know what to do, and are better prepared. I really emphasize perseverance and trying things out before raising their hands to ask for help.  I compare it to a video game.  I say, "If you don't pass a level on a video game, you don't call me up and ask for help, you try something different, you persevere until you figure it out.  That is exactly what mathematicians do!"



I have been blown away by some of the feedback

that I have received!








Grade Level Math Journals Available:



1st Grade Math Journal




2nd Grade Math Journal








4th Grade Math Journal




5th Grade Math Journal

Math Journal - Sixth Grade Math Journal Prompts Aligned to

6th Grade Math Journal
 



Here are a few links with sample constructed response questions




FREE ~ Math Journal labels ~ Math Notebook product from Amy-Alvis on TeachersNotebook.com


I am linking up with Fourth Grade Flipper for Tried It Tuesday.  Head over there for some other amazing ideas, or to share something you have tried recently!


This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  


 I would love to hear from you! ❤️

Have a question? Idea for a resource you might find helpful?




Be so kind and leave a comment below.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Tons of Giveaways!

One of my favorite things about being a teaching blogger is the relationships and friendships I have made with both fellow bloggers and readers.  I love being able to help my blogging friends celebrate the milestones they have reached!  I am helping two different bloggers with some amazing giveaways right now!

First of all, I am helping I'm Lovin' Lit celebrate her blogging birthday!


You will want to check out her blog each day of this giveaway because she is not only hosting the giveaways - but everyone is a winner with her limited time freebies!





I am giving away My Wonder Cooperative Learning Activities Pack.  There are also several other prizes to win each day!

Cooperative Learning Activities for Wonder by R.J. Palacio
PowerPoint Gaming is celebrating 300 + likes on Facebook with an amazing giveaway featuring 50 products!





I am giving away my Kicking It Math Multiplication Fact Fluency set.

Kicking It Math Multiplication Fact Fluency Program



Don't forget to enter my own $25 Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card Giveaway if you haven't already!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Monthly Teachers Pay Teachers $25 Gift Card Giveaway - March 2014


I have been so blessed to have amazing followers on both my blog and Teachers Pay Teachers.  As a special thank you I try to give back a little each month with a $25 gift card from Teachers Pay Teachers.  The only mandatory entry is to follow my TpT store, but there are several other ways to increase your chances.  Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, March 7, 2014

Five For Friday March 7, 2014

Another week has come and gone!  This week is flying by!  I missed last Friday because of our Nevada Reading Conference, so I definitely couldn't miss today's Five For Friday with Doodle Bugs Teaching.  I love the chance to look back on my week and to peek into other people's lives as well.  I guess I'm just nosey curious like that!




This week we have been hard at work on our animal research projects.




We are using this Animal Research Project  packet from forkin4th.



We had our "store" this week where the kids spend their stickers from my classroom incentive program.


Store days are definitely a favorite each month!


We have also been having fun Mining For Multiplication!  I made a fun review game to keep up on our multiplication skills featuring one of their favorite activities - Mine Craft.

Mining For Multiplication




We've been doing a ton of small group reading and text work, and I am so impressed about how my students have been working in groups independently with very little of my input!








 Yesterday was my birthday and my students made it extra special with a Birthday cake and presents.  Love them!







How was your week?  Link up and share!  Also, don't forget to come back tomorrow to enter to win the monthly Teacher's Pay Teachers $25 Gift Certificate I give away!

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