Math Journals Anyone?

For years, I have used math journals as a way for the students to copy what I was writing on the board and have a place to do some math problems that they couldn't do in the book (because, well, you can't write in text book!)  But this summer, that all changed.  I got my hands on Jen Runde's Interactive Math Journal, and how I use these journals has been turned upside down.

You see, this 166 page document isn't just a source for some great lesson plans in math but rather a book that shows you how to USE a STRATEGY in your room that will directly benefit not only the students, but you as a teacher.

Sounds amazing, huh?  It is.

How has it benefited me?  Well, let me count the ways.

1.  My teaching has become more focused.  During math instruction, I ALWAYS start with the learning goals for the students.  We look at the standard together, and discuss what it is that we are expected to learn after our lesson for the day.  My students understand what it is I want them to learn and I in turn have taught them what I want them to know.  I know it sounds silly, but until reading Jen's explanation of how she does this, I really just didn't make the connection of how great making this little adjustment is.   (can you see the learning goal we wrote a the top of this journal page??------------->)




2.  Foldables, Foldables, Foldables!  Need I say more?  Now, I have been a fan of foldables for a while, but Jen has them ALL OVER!  I honestly never thought to put them *into* my math notebooks before.  I thought, "Who would see them??"  But the truth is, the STUDENTS are seeing them.  You know, those kids in our chairs who actually need to use them to learn?  Yeah...that is who is using them.  And, you know what?  They ARE referencing them down the line.  Jen has a LOT of foldable (or manipulative) ideas in the journal; one for almost ever topic.

3.  Bleed off into other subjects.  Here is why I am most excited about this resource.  Because of the ideas I have learned here (stating objectives, students reflecting after the lesson, using self-monitoring checking for understanding, etc...) the "journaling" has worn off into Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts as well!  In each of the notebooks we keep in class, I use these same principles.  It really is amazing how I, as a teacher, have been inspired!

4.  Assessment of Journals.  Another part I really love is the assessment piece.  The students are actively engaged in monitoring their own learning.  Using the ideas Jen presents in the journal, I have been able to see if my students are really using these as a valuable tool and then adjust them accordingly (if needed)

OK...If you haven't noticed by now, I am really pushing this hard to you.  This really is such a great, well thought out resource.  Worth EVERY.SINGLE.CENT.  You also might notice this little icon here.  Well, Jen and I are part of a product swap.

But the thing is, Jen and I asked to be partners in this because we both really are using the products we are writing about...and have been using them a while in our rooms.  This really is something that I think each and every one of you should own (if you don't already)  Even if your state has different standards or you have to follow a specific pacing plan...that doesn't matter.  The resource itself, with all the pictures, explanations, and ideas is universal enough that it can be adapted to any curriculum.

Would you like to own a copy of this Interactive Math Journal?  Well, you are in luck.  Jen is offering a 20% discount on it tonight as part of the swap.  This discount will only last until Sunday night....so hurry up and go get it!

Is anyone here already using the journal?  Can you share your experience with it?

And, if you are so inspired, head over to Runde's Room and read about what it is she is using of mine :)