What do your students choose in math? Do you allow them the opportunity to have choices over their learning? Does that idea seem overwhelming? What if I told you that you could let your students have choice in the classroom, and as a result, they would be more willing to engage and persevere? Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. It can be as easy as downloading this free choice board template.
How to give students choice in the classroom
When did I start giving choice in the classroom? I am in my 18th year in the classroom. And if you have been in the classroom for any amount of time, you have seen certain buzzwords come and go. Early in my teaching career, differentiation became the new buzzword. It was really being pushed that teachers should meet students where they are. How could I give struggling students what they needed while at the same time pushing my accelerated students even further? Oh, and make sure those differences aren’t noticeable because you don’t want any student to feel singled out. From this came my first experience with using choice boards in the classroom. The benefits were endless.
Choice in the classroom
It is important to remember that while choice boards are great (you know I love them), they are not the only way to give choice in learning. Sometimes, it is as simple as letting students choose their writing utensil for the day. Who says they always have to write in pencil? What if they chose the color paper their assignment was printed on? Anytime you can give students a choice, you make them feel like they are in control. To me, that’s my classroom management.
What are the benefits to giving choice in the classroom
Do you ever struggle with motivating those students who aren’t intrinsically motivated? Choice boards can help students gain confidence, which in return helps them push through when they are struggling. They make it more about the concept and less about a specific problem.
Ready to start allowing students to choose in Math? Want to hear more about the benefits of giving choice and ideas for giving choice? This was all part of my conversation with Johanna Kuiper on her podcast Solving for the Undefined. Click here to listen to the episode.
More About Choice in the Classroom…
Create a Math Choice Board from Any Worksheet
