In RightStart Math, the conclusion of a lesson is valuable for both the student and the teacher.
For students, it’s a chance to review and reinforce what they’ve learned. It also allows them to make connections between the new material and what they’ve previously studied, helping them build a solid foundation for future lessons.
For teachers, this time is an opportunity to assess whether students have grasped the material or to identify areas that may need further review before moving on to new content.
But how can you make the Conclusion more engaging? Here are some strategies to differentiate your lesson conclusion:
Whiteboard Responses
When asking the conclusion questions, have your students write their answers on individual whiteboards. This keeps the activity interactive and allows you to see their responses instantly.
Google Slides
Use Google Slides, PowerPoint, or similar tools to display conclusion questions. Students can respond verbally, or you can provide multiple-choice options (a, b, or c) and ask students to raise their hands for the answer they believe is correct.
Think-Pair-Share
Pair students up and give each one an index card with conclusion questions. Have them answer independently, then discuss their responses with their partner.
Another great way to add variety to the conclusion is by using Exit Tickets.
What are Exit Tickets?
Exit tickets are brief activities that help you assess what students learned, check for understanding, and get feedback on how your students received the lesson. They provide useful data on which concepts were understood and which may need further clarification.
Here are a few ways to incorporate Exit Tickets into your lesson conclusions:
Think-Pair-Share (Again!)
Ask students to pair up and discuss what they learned, what challenges they faced, and what they enjoyed about the lesson. You can also have them ask each other questions from the conclusion.
Game Suggested in the Lesson
Sometimes, the most valuable data comes from observing students playing the game suggested in the lesson. If you need a written record, ask them to complete a form listing the equations they solved while playing. Check out our blog for game assessment ideas.
Worksheets Assigned in the Lesson
If the lesson includes a worksheet, its questions may mirror those in the conclusion. On such days, the worksheet can double as an exit ticket, allowing you to assess understanding based on their work.
Post-It/Prove it
Give each student a Post-It Note with one question or equation. Have them solve it on the sticky note and turn it in. This quick, informal assessment gives a snapshot of who has mastered the material and who might need more review. Consider using gride Post-It Notes, a half sheet of paper, or an index card.
Writing in Journal
Encourage students to journal about what they learned. Writing what they learned in their own words helps solidify their understanding. They can also draw pictures or diagrams to explain concepts. Journals can later be used as a personal review tool.
The Student Becomes the Teacher
Self-explaining is a powerful strategy that deepens understanding. Have students pair up or form small groups where they “teach” each other the lesson material. This deepens their understanding and gives you insight into how they think and learn.
The conclusion is a vital element of every RightStart Math lesson. It provides students with a structured opportunity to review and reflect on what they’ve learned while giving teachers insights into areas that might need further instruction or practice.
Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons? Check out our other blogs on differentiating for the classroom, the strong student, the struggling student, and how to differentiate the Warm-Up Section of a lesson.
Have your own creative ideas for making the Conclusion engaging? Share them with us so we can inspire others!
