Math Journals Containing 4 different prompts for each of the common core standards. This math journal is so much more than a collection of word problems. The journal prompts included ask students to defend their answers, using the MESS method (Model, Equation, Solve, and Sentence). Students are asked to draw a picture, write the equation, solve the problem, and then write a sentence answering the problem. Writing about their math thinking will help students to prepare for standardized testing