How to Differentiate Any Math Activity
- tarasteachingtools
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
The simplest way to differentiate an acitivty is to provide three versions; below grade level, on grade level, and above grade level. But what if you don't want to create three different versions of an activity? How can you save time but also add value and differentiation to your lesson?
Add a Graphic Organizer
Have you ever seen a student submit work with the majority being wrong answers? You might wonder what their process was or what their misconception was during your lesson. When a student has a graphic organizer to organize their thoughts in a visual way, the teacher can observe misconceptions throughout the solving process. A great way to provide differentiation is to give your students this extra visual tool to show their work.
Provide Manipulatives and Hands-on Tools
Giving your students a variety of ways to show what they have learned is a great way to know if they have understood a new concept. If they are not able to show their understanding in writing (yet), maybe they can show this through visual tools. Counters, base ten blocks, fraction magnets, 3D shapes, clocks, and paper money are just a few that come to mind!
Task Cards vs. Worksheets
Giving your students an opportunity to move around the classroom can be very beneficial for the functionality of your overall math class. Some students thrive when they can move and change their environment (even if it's just around the room) during an assignment. Fun ways to facilitate task cards can include creating a puzzle, hide and seek game, race to finish, or just partner work. Get kids moving to keep them engaged!
4. Make it Digital
In thinking about differentiation, we want to target every type of learner. For those students who do not do their best work in writing, consider making an assignment digital. It might be overwhleming and time-consuming to convert an entire assignment into a digital resource. So, get creative! Can your assignment be displayed on a projector? Maybe your students can record their answers on a laptop or tablet. Using a digital answer system can keep students very engaged. There are many free, digital math tools that can assist your students as they work; digital rulers, dice, clocks, base ten blocks, and more!
5. Provide an Extra Challenge
Do you feel like you are giving your "early finishers" busy work when they say they are done? Consider providing them with a task that requires some creativity and critical thinking! Go beyond the extra worksheets and have your quick workers move to a task such as a puzzle, craft, drawing, building, cutting/gluing, or coloring activity.
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