This is a resource made from one home-schooling mom (and former classroom teacher) to another!

If you're looking for some great math word problems for your first 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 kindergarten journal prompts center around big ideas surrounding kindergarten mathematics.  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 99 pages. The breakdown is as follows:

• Word Problems/Prompts (37 pages 2 per week)
• Answer key (38 pages)
• Instructions and teaching helps designed specifically from one homeschooling mom to another (24)

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!