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!

Are We Failing Gifted Students?...read and find out!

Today one of my pod besties posted this on my Facebook wall.  Since we are both teachers of Talented and Gifted students, we are constantly sharin' articles, newsletters, etc. about Gifted.  Obviously, the title grabbed me immediately and I just had to read to find out....are we failin' gifted students?  

At my school, we have seven Gifted endorsed teachers that provide Gifted services from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.  The pod I live in(no, I don't really live there, but it's my second home) houses full time TAG classes in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th.  Every year our program changes a little dependin' on the students, but after teachin' inclusion classes, regular classes, and TAG classes, I can say, "Hands down, Gifted is my favorite!"  This article really spoke volumes to me and I wanted to share for any of you teachers out there that also specialize in Gifted students or have a Gifted student in your classroom.  The article is linked below.  Go on...read it!

Are We Failing Gifted Students? from National Education Association

I loved the five "C's" in this article. I have already written them down as a constant reminder to myself to practice these with my lil' rockstars...more than I already do.

I have been so blessed to be chosen to be a Gifted teacher for the past several years.  I can honestly say that there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not personally challenged or learnin' something new from my students.  They definitely keep me on my toes and help me strive to be innovative, creative, and thoughtful in my plannin'.  I know this isn't just something that happens because I'm a Gifted teacher.  I feel strongly that all teachers feel this way...no matter their specialty.

Thoughts?