When teachers differentiate instruction, they can more effectively meet the diverse needs of each student. RightStart Math already integrates differentiation through its use of manipulatives, worksheets, and games, but what if you’re looking for even more ways to engage your students?
This blog series is designed to provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies for differentiating instruction in your classroom. In this blog, we focus on generic activities you can use in your classroom but be sure to check out our other posts on differentiating instruction for strong students and the struggling learner.
Here are some ways to differentiate instruction for all students while using RightStart Math:
1. Lesson Stations
Incorporating stations helps students engage with different aspects of the material by working in small groups. Use task cards to guide students through each station. Here are a few station ideas:
- Warm-Up station
- Activities using the Cotter Abacus
- Hands-on activities with the Math Balance
- A station dedicated to the math card game of the day
- A segment of the lesson activity
- A review station featuring a previously played math card game
Review lessons are particularly well-suited for station-based learning. Each station can feature a different game or activity outlined in the review lesson plan to reinforce previously learned skills.
2. Math Journals
Encourage students to document their learning in a math journal. This can include drawings, explanations, and examples of what they learned that day. Not only will this give insight into their understanding, but it also creates a reference for students to use. When they look up a previously learned concept, they can read about it in their own words.
3. Graphic Organizers
Like math journals, graphic organizers help students visualize the day’s concepts. Have students work together to create a visual representation of what they learned, reinforcing understanding and promoting teamwork.
4. Learning Badges
Motivate and reward student success by using learning badges. Whether using them for class-wide or individual goals, badges are a fun way to celebrate progress and keep students engaged in their learning journey.
5. Scaffolding
While many RightStart Math activities naturally scaffold learning, you may want to add extra support. Scaffolding can look like this:
- The teacher models the activity first.
- Students practice the activity with teacher guidance and questioning, like “What comes next?”
- Students can work together in small groups to learn from each other as they solve the problems.
- Finally, students complete the activity independently.
6. Play Additional Games
Although lessons suggest specific games, you are not limited to these. If your students need more review, have them play a familiar game that reinforces previously learned skills.
If they’re ready for a challenge, introduce a game that covers new material. Remember to allow the students to use manipulatives and strategies to solve problems as they play the games. Games are a learning platform, not a reward or a time filler.
7. Spice Up Warm-Ups and Conclusions
Make Warm-Up and Conclusion questions more interactive. Instead of simply asking questions verbally, consider group responses, interactive problem-solving, or incorporating Exit Tickets. These alternative methods add excitement and ensure all students are actively participating. More ideas for differentiating Warm-Ups and Conclusions will be explored in other blog posts.
Conclusion
While RightStart Math already includes engaging elements that make math fun, adding further differentiation strategies allows you to differentiate instruction even more precisely, addressing the unique needs of all students and enhancing their learning outcomes.
We’d love to hear how you differentiate RightStart Math in your classroom—share your ideas with us!
