Math journaling provides students an opportunity for positive feedback.  It enables the quiet, shy, or struggling math student a chance to ask questions to the teacher without being embarrassed.  The comments that are returned may explain misconceptions, encourage, or specifically direct the student to another resource such as a page in the textbook.  It also encourages the student to think about math words and vocabulary as often children never use math terms outside of math classtime and they are never asked to write them. 

In addition to the use of journaling after the lesson, a pre-lesson prediction activity could be used to clarify understanding; especially when it is thought of both in (real world) and out of math time. 

Through journaling the teacher can tell which students truly understand the term or concept if they can convey that understanding in writing. It is an excellent way to integrate the subject areas. 

DIRECTIONS FOR TEACHER: Every week require your students to add a new page to their journal showing what they have learned including the steps in the process and giving an example.