This is a resource made from one home-schooling mom (and former classroom teacher) to another! I made them to help my own children succeed and wanted to share them with you too.

If you're looking for some great math word problems for your fourth grader, I have the perfect resource for you!

Math journals were wildly successful in my math classroom. In fact, they were so successful that I brought them into my homeschool. I have always enjoyed seeing students persevere and problem-solve as well as seeing them work to justify their answers. Writing and discussing mathematics is a powerful teaching tool. It's even more fun with my own children! 

How to Use Math Journals

You can use journals however you see fit. I've included 2 prompts per week for you to use with your children. I have included clear instructions for using these journals inside the packet, but here are the basics: 

• Print the journal and put it in a folder, binder, or have it bound or show the prompt on your computer and your child can work with paper and pencil.
• Children will solve the problem and explain their thinking.
• You can have your child complete this and then take some time to talk about their work and their thinking. 

Benefits of Math Journals

• Strengthen understanding of mathematical vocabulary
• Gives children practice with making critical arguments and justifying their thinking
• Gives students a chance to critique others' thinking
• Relieves stress from regular math instruction as this is a supplemental engaging activity between parent/child
• Builds mathematical confidence
• Gives children a sense of ownership of their work and motivates them
• Helps you as a parent determine areas where your child may need additional help/instruction

About this Math Journal

These fourth grade journals are set at grade-level big ideas while also hitting on third grade standards to review. The problems are higher-level thinking to allow you to use these with any curriculum/pacing. The higher-level thinking problems allow students to remain challenged while working to construct valid and strong mathematical arguments. 

Watch them soar! These mathematical conversations strengthen your child's vocabulary, help them think critically, and help them develop justifications and arguments around their thinking and solutions. 

What's Inside?

All told this journal is 102 pages. The breakdown is as follows:

• Word Problems/Prompts (46 pages: 37 pages with problems--2 per week and some instructional pages as well)
• Answer key (41 pages)
• Parent Guide: Instructions and teaching helps designed specifically from one homeschooling mom to another (15)

I hope you and your child will come to love solving these problems and talking about them together. Making mathematical conversations a part of your homeschool week will reap many benefits!