Writing to Learn Math: Students develop a personal connection to mathematical ideas and relationships when they write their own math. It’s also enjoyable!
Do you want your kids to be able to think creatively and solve problems on their own?
Use these traditional teaching strategies to help children practice slowing down and taking the time to thoroughly understand a math topic or problem-solving scenario: Notice. Wonder. Create.
Observe: Pay close attention to the specifics of any numbers, shapes, or patterns you come across. What qualities do they possess? What is the relationship between them? Take note of the specifics of your own mathematical reasoning as well. How do you handle a challenging situation? Which answers are the most beneficial? What caused you to become confused?
How To Use a Create-Your-Own-Math Prompt
When students create their own math, they forge a personal connection to mathematical concepts and relationships. And it’s fun!
Children might make up a math game, write a story or poem, draw a comic, or pose a problem. Create math art, think up a challenging question, or write a puzzle. Since earlier chapters focused on writing and math art, most of these prompts involve creating puzzles or problems.
The “Story Problem Challenge” is one of my favorite math club activities. My students invent their own word problems in any style they like. They don’t have to know how to solve the problems they create. We read the stories aloud, and everyone works together to find the solutions.
For puzzles where the child already knows the answers (for example, “Two Truths and a Lie”), let them trade with a friend. Can they each solve the other’s puzzle? Can they stump each other? Or save the child’s work and let them come back to it another day, after they’ve forgotten the answers.
Journaling Prompt 98 Half Plus Three
Four children get pocket money. Each gets half as much as the next older child, plus $3 more.
What questions can you ask?
Make up a fraction-plus-a-little-bit puzzle of your own.
This is an excerpt from Math Journaling Adventures: Logbook Delta. Discover more of my books, printable activities, and cool mathy merchandise at Denise Gaskins’ Playful Math Store.
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“Thinking Thursday: Half Plus Three” copyright © 2025 by Denise Gaskins. Image at the top of the post copyright © 4masik / Depositphotos.
