Math Journals
~ Sandy Elsasser

I use "Math Journals" with my students to improve problem solving skills, develop thought processes, and practice math concepts. They involve writing equations and drawing to prove the solution.

Each student has a spiral notebook that they use for their Math Journal. Each time we use the journal I hand out the 'Problem of the Day' and they glue it to the top of the next blank page in thier journal. (I model 2-3 similar problems before I give them thier actual problem, that we read together as a class.) The student then writes an equation, solves it, and draws a picture to prove their work.

For more detailed information about these Math Journals, and to access sample problems, go to http://sewwhat4ucorp.com/teacherresources.htm and look for April and May 2006.