The Meaningful Task of Math Journals

Keeping a journal is an exercise in storytelling, that is narration. We are wired for storytelling. We remember and store information in stories.

Storytelling is also that internal dialogue that shapes our thinking.  It takes place both in pictures and words.  Keeping a journal gives structure to where we've been and where we are headed. 

This is why math journals play an important role in math for us.  

Math Journals Give Structure 

Much of the stress of math is because there is this arbitrary timeline that we place ourselves and students under.  This timeline is very linear and often there is no room to linger or deviate.

Because journaling provide structure in a linear timeline, I use math journals to chart progress without the constraint of an arbitrary timeline.   We are always moving forward, but like the seasons, we circle back to old stomping grounds and look a little closer at fractions then we did before. 

Math journals help me plan too.   I find a rhythm of circling back to old stomping grounds to observe more without beating a topic to death and boring my children.  When they quite enjoy a topic or game, I make note to linger a few more days longer. 

Anytime I notice a concept is solid, I review journals to find opportunity to extend their understanding.  I also note to send a question to a trusted math friend when I feel we have a problem. 

Math Journals in Pictures and Words

Much like a nature journal, math journals happen in both words and pictures.   When I create a math journal, there is space both to draw or color and write down observations. 

One might find it redundant to draw a math manipulative.  But one who keeps a nature journal doesn't find it redundant to both draw and write observations.  Drawing a picture of our observation enhances our understanding.  It has a way of slowing us down to observe more deeply what is before us.   

We see, then we see, and then we see see.   It each instance our insight of what is before us grows.   But we have to slow down to see it and that is what drawing does for us. 

But we can't forget how language adds an even deeper level of understanding.  The search for the words we need to describe what we see drives us towards clarity.  It is in that strive for clarity that understanding takes a firmer grip on the mind. 

Most worksheets do not provide the opportunity to strive for clarity.  Neither do these worksheets acknowledge what is known to the child. I design math journals to do both, share what they know and deepen their understanding using both pictures and words.   

Math Journals as Starting Points

Math journaling can also create student-led opportunities to explore mathematics. As you learn to connect with student-thinking, you will see opportunities to encourage their interests and expand their observations.