Why Creative Writing in Math Journals?
Math journals serve as records of growth in both mathematical understanding and written communication. They are visual evidence of the thought processes kids use to work out strategies and solutions for math and writing tasks. Math journals support writing across the curriculum, because not only must kids learn to do math, but they must articulate on paper what they are learning. In these problem-solving notebooks, kids organize, clarify, and reflect upon mathematical ideas through the deep-processing of writing. Math journals offer insight into what kids understand, how they approach abstract ideas through concrete language, and what concepts may need reteaching. By drawing upon the richness of literature and creative writing, math journal topics easily capture kids’ interests. Geometry and data analysis are always more fascinating when kids must solve math problems through the mind of a familiar character!
