Looking for more ways to differentiate you math instruction? Read below to find 3 ways to differentiate math instruction in an elementary school setting?
Here are my 3 tips I use no matter what math unit I am teaching!
Tip #1 – Model using Visuals
Visuals can be a variety of things you already incorporate into your elementary classroom. These are easy ways for differentiating math instruction in elementary.
- Anchor Charts
- Flashcards
- Visuals created by students
- Youtube videos
- Manipulatives
Tip #2 Practice
This seems self explanatory for an elementary classroom. However, in my small group sessions we had a variety of methods to do this. Every group of students is different so find the “thing” that makes them excited!
- Paper and Pencil
- Manipulatives
- Whiteboards
- Drawing on whiteboard app if technology is available
- Boom cards
- Sticky Notes
- Writing on the table
Many of these ideas are FREE and easy to use. This year my students LOVE writing on the table. They think it is the “coolest” thing to do. I give them a designated space using washi tape and let them write. White boards is also fun because I have a variety of colored markers which makes students more willing to learn. Students can earn 1-2 minutes when they are done to “free draw”. This is an incentive to listen, learn, and participate!
Tip #3 – Role Reversal
What does this mean and look like!? Have the kids teach you! They can do this in person. Students can make a video to show you. Make it a quick easy exit ticket assignment. Have them film a video of them doing a problem and explaining it! After, they can give compliments to classmates by watching their videos.
In small group, I have students explain to me how to do the problem. Hearing their explanation you are hearing their thinking. This can help guide you on how to better teach them or explain if something is not correct.
If you liked these tips for differentiating math instruction in an elementary classroom check out the ones for making interactive work tasks. Also, grab these place value visual here for you to use in your classroom!!
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