Writing Prompt Using a Math Equation- 3rd Grade
Integrating writing and math is critical in twenty-first century classrooms. Elementary students not only need to be able to accurately solve grade level problems, but also be able to explain their thinking and strategies both orally (e.g. number talks ) and in writing (e.g. math journal).
Mathematical writing is a great way to encourage students to make sense of concepts and skills, think critically, make connections, explain thinking, communicate ideas, practice literacy skills, self-assess, and reflect on learning.
Implementing a math journal routine in your elementary classroom is one way you can ensure your students are regularly writing in math and are continuing to grow as both mathematicians, writers, and critical thinkers.
This blog post will answer the following questions:
- Why is writing in math important?
- How do I get my students to write during math time?
- What are some tips for supporting writers during math?
- What are math journals?
- How do I write good math journal prompts?
- What are some examples of math journal prompts?
- What can I use a math journal for besides writing?
Why is Writing in Math Important?
Writing in math, specifically math journaling, is important because it gives children the opportunity to make sense of concepts and skills, think critically, make connections, explain thinking, communicate ideas, practice literacy skills, self-assess, and reflect on their learning.
15 Ways to Get Students Writing During Math
Read below to learn about some of the many ways to improve math literacy and get students writing in math.
1. Daily Prompts
Give students a prompt at the beginning of class that asks them to make connections, justify rules, explain a procedure, etc. and have them write down their response.
2. I Think, I Notice, I Wonder
Pose a problem to students and ask them to fill in a graphic organizer with three categories: 1) I Think, 2) I Notice, 3) I Wonder.
4. Read and Write
Read aloud a text or provide students with a text to read and have them respond in writing to a prompt based on the text.
5. Shared Writing
Work together as a whole group to communicate information about concepts, procedures, or strategies on chart paper.
6. Alphabet Book
Make an alphabet book as a class based on math vocabulary.
7. Take Notes
Invite students to take notes during the lesson by writing down procedures, definitions, etc.
8. Make Notes
Ask students to list the main points of a lesson and make connections between new concepts and previously-learned concepts.
9. Math Dictionary Entries
Students write vocabulary words and definitions in a notebook that they can refer back to.
10. Concept Maps
Ask students to create a graphic organizer to help them make sense of a math concept.
11. Technology
Utilize a class website or online tool to facilitate questions and discussions.
12. Act as the Teacher
13. Exit Ticket
Ask students to complete this formative assessment to determine their understanding of the lesson.
14. Assessment Reflection
When students get an assessment back after it is graded, ask them to analyze the problems they got incorrect and explain in writing what they did wrong and what they should have done instead.
15. Math Journal
Give students opportunities for journaling where they can reflect on and explore essential questions, big ideas, daily lessons, prompts, etc.
Tips for Supporting Writers During Math
- Write or post related vocabulary words in a spot where all students can see them. This blog post all about math vocabulary may be helpful!
- Explain who the students are writing to (teacher, a younger student, etc.).
- Encourage students to share their thinking and ideas with a partner before they begin to write.
- Invite struggling writers to formulate their idea with an adult in the classroom before they start their math journaling.
- Circulate around the room and support students as needed.
- Inspire students to use pictures, symbols, numbers, and words to add details to their writing through modeling those strategies yourself.
What is a Math Journal?
A math journal, also commonly referred to as a math notebook, is an ongoing and chronological record of what students are learning in math. It is a tool that helps students reinforce and reflect on their understanding of math concepts and skills.
Not only are math journals beneficial for students, but they are also beneficial for teachers too. Teachers can use math journals as a formal or informal assessment to monitor student progress and understanding.
Get these Math Journals!
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How to Write a Good Math Journal Prompt
A math journal prompt should be open-ended and an opportunity for students to…
- think deeply about a concept or skill
- problem solve
- learn from the question
- deepen their understanding of a concept or skill
- discover new ideas and connections
- explain their thinking
- reflect on their learning
- assess their own understanding and knowledge
3 Examples of Math Journal Prompts
Read the 3 math writing prompt examples below to get ideas for writing your own prompts for your students' math notebooks:
Math Journal Prompt Example 1:
Math Writing Prompt: I have 5 coins in my pocket. Their sum is greater than $1. Give me 3 possible combinations.
Sample Answer: 5 quarters, 4 quarters and 1 dime, 4 quarters and 1 penny
Math Journal Prompt Example 2:
Math Writing Prompt: What are 5 things you know about the number 12?
Sample Answer: The number 12 is an even number; 12 has 1 ten and 2 ones; The number can be divided evenly into 2, 3, 4, and 6 groups; It has 2 digits; It is the sum or the doubles fact 6 + 6
Math Journal Prompt Example 3:
Math Writing Prompt: Prove 3 + 2 = 5.
Sample Answer: I know 3 + 2 = 5 because I know the sum of the doubles fact 2 + 2 is 4 and 1 more than 2 is 3 so 2 + 2 + 1 = 5. I just used the doubles plus one strategy!
10 Things to Use a Math Journal For Besides Writing
Student math journals do not require students to solely write explanations in paragraph form in them. They can be filled with drawings, photographs, newspaper clippings and more. Here is a list of ideas that you can incorporate into your student math notebook center:
- articles about famous mathematicians
- diagrams
- drawings
- math vocabulary words and definitions
- newspaper clippings related to math
- photographs of student work
- photographs of students solving problems
- sketches of symmetric objects
- student reflections
- tracings of math manipulatives
TRY THESE MATH WRITING PROMPT RESOURCES FOR FREE!
We would love for you to try these math journal writing prompts with your students. They offer students opportunities to reflect on their learning through journaling and serve as a great consistent math center during Guided Math. You can download math journal worksheet examples specific to your grade level (along with lots of other math freebies) in our free printable math resources bundle using this link: free printable math activities for elementary teachers.
Check out my math journal resources!
- 1st Grade Math Writing Prompts
- 2nd Grade Math Writing Prompts
- 3rd Grade Math Writing Prompts
- 4th Grade Math Writing Prompts
- 5th Grade Math Writing Prompts
Writing Prompt Using a Math Equation- 3rd Grade
Source: https://jodidurgin.com/writing-in-math-ideas/
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