Journal Example

 

When we begin our journals, I really try to emphasize the importance of neatness. Clean lines, neat handwriting, clear messages, etc. all make it much easier to find helpful information. We added our first journal entry together as we discussed what guidelines we should follow when writing in our journals. The student picked any two-digit number, and then completed three activities using it. We walked through neatly dividing our page into three sections, giving each section a title, then completing the activity. What do I know about the number? How can I get to the number? and Word problem where my number is the answer. I kept in fairly simple, since the main goal was to discuss journal guidelines.

Math Journal Set-Up

An example of our math journal a few days in...

Our place value chart is glued on the inside cover of the math journal

An example of clock buddies before partners are assigned. They just write the names of partners on the lines.

Well, on Tuesday we set up our Math journals. We do TONS of work in our journals throughout the year, so it's important they be organized! Table of Contents is a must! I check the journals about every 3 weeks or so to make sure the dates/entries/page numbers are current. I find journals so helpful when the kids get stuck! They can always go back and help themselves by checking their notes. Journal entries are done together, and the rules (neat, complete, etc) are established the first day journaling begins.

 Also in the journal is four clocks to be used for clock buddies. I got this idea from a workshop presented by Nanci Smith. The idea is that you assign each student three clock buddies based on needs, and the students can pick the other three clock buddies themselves. There are four because the clock buddies are changed every quarter after you reevaluate your data and the students' needs change.The students pick their 2, 6, and 10 o'clock buddies, and I assign the students their 4, 8, and  12 o'clock If I wanted the students with someone specific, I would partner them up by saying, "Please partner-up with your 4 o'clock buddy." This is a great way to partner-up with purpose, without labeling your kiddos the Bluebirds, Redbirds, and Buzzards. Ha ha!