Menu math is one of my favorite activities to use in the classroom. Menu math for a special education classroom was created because money skills are a large focus in middle school and many students have money IEP goals. I figured out a way I could use the same menu, but personalize the worksheets to meet all my student’s needs. Menu math is SO easy to differentiate! How you ask?! Check out below how I used it in my classroom, created IEP goals for this, and made it engaging and fun my students asked me to make more!
Life skills + Money Skills = ONE GREAT THING!
Differentiating Examples:
Student A – identifying the foods on the menu and numbers in prices using words or AAC device. Student could also count the items on the worksheets. I also would just use the 1st number in the price (dollars only) and use manipulatives to have the student count and identify the number on AAC device. Student would also use cut out numbers and paste the prices under each picture instead of writing.
Student B – could add 2 or 3 items together and determine dollar more. Student would use paper money to count out dollar more total
Student C – add 3 items together and determine the change needed. Student would use paper money to count out change needed.
Student D – add 3 items together determine the change and tax for each problem. Student would count out total or change amounts using least amount of coins.
This can appear like a lot of work, but honestly it wasn’t. I had my clipboard ready to take data and was able to assist students easily. It did take some time to teach my students to be patient, calm, and wait for their turn.
When would I use this?
- IEP goal data and samples to show parents — I bring samples to meetingsÂ
- Small group activity with myself or a para — When students were moving up to another level they were introduced to the concept in a smaller settingÂ
- Emergency sub plans — most students could complete the activity independently
- Funday Friday — yes, they LOVE it lol
- Interactive homework (only if requested by parent)
Sample IEP Goals
Example 1 – Student will be able to count mixed coins and mixed bills together (1,5,10) with % accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities as measured by teacher observation and data collection.
Example 2 – Student will be able to complete the functional math task of calculating the tax and tip for 2-3 step story problems with % accuracy 4 out of 5 opportunities as measured by teacher observation and data collection.
Example 3 – Student will be able to count a variety of mixed coins with % accuracy as measured by teacher observation and data collection.
Example 4 – Student will be able to independently identify 7 nouns, using their AAC device, for 2 specific class related topics, as chosen by the teacher, with % accuracy in 4 out of 5 opportunities.
Example 5 – Student will be able to identify, using their AAC device or verbally stating, number 0-10 with % accuracy as measured by teacher observation and data collection.
It is FUN I promise!
Your positivity can make this exciting for your students. Who doesn’t love looking at pictures of food and pretending to order?! Sometimes I would use silly accents, act out scenario when ordering my food for students, have them show the class how they solved a problem.Â
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