Math: Differentiating Instruction with Menus

A few summers ago I wrote about how I use 

Laurie E. Westphal's 

Differentiating Instruction with Menus books 

in my classroom.

Read about that here. 

At the time, I didn't have any pictures of samples

from my classroom.  

I am back to share again...with pictures this time.

I love bein' able to present my kids with menus 

and lettin' them explore their own creativity.

The menu I chose for my students was 

Money Tic-Tac-Toe

(you can see a sample of this menu by clickin'

on the link above and lookin' inside

the book)

Below are some samples from the Money menu:

The first pictures you will see are from this option...

 This 3D model features so many fantastic

items that were able to fit in the budget to

outfit a very comfortable Teachers' Lounge.

Included: a Coke machine, a microwave, a massage chair,

a flat-screen T.V., and a supply of tasty lunch food.

I want to go in there...RIGHT.NOW!

The second room has calmin' pictures to soothe your soul 

while you get a relaxin' massage.  Refreshin' drinks are

provided after massages.

This model features beds in the Teachers' Lounge.  

YES...this made my nappin' heart HAPPY!

This makes me want to catch some ZZzzzz's.

This model also features a Coke machine, seatin' for relaxation

and a large supply of FOOD!

Total cost:  $12,998.85

I hope my school wins the lottery because I would

spend all my free time in here!

Here is the full model.

This student designed his lounge with his favorite teacher in mind.

I am "Rosie" and I am a Miami Hurricanes fan.

This lounge would be paradise for me.

His grand total came to $3,763.

I don't know who is payin' for the new lounge, but

I'm all in!

This student designed a game based on spending and saving money.

Notice her actual bank of money that is included?

Brilliant!

So creative!

Here is another game that speaks to my belly.

Sushi Frenzy!

The key with all the different sushi rolls 

cracks me up!

This game was designed from one of the tic-tac-toe

activities which included designin' a television

show where contestants win money by answerin'

questions correctly.

Correct answers double the money.

Where do I sign up to be a participant?

I absolutely love usin' menus in my class...

not just in Math!

These activities make the content meaningful

to them and that is so very important to me.

Learnin' CAN be fun!

I bet your kiddos would love them too.

Happy Tuesday, friends!