Creating Choice Boards for Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Choice boards are a powerful tool for educators to use in the classroom. They allow students to take control of their own learning, giving them the ability to choose the activities they want to complete. This not only helps to keep students engaged, but also allows them to work at their own pace and level. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using choice boards, as well as providing a step-by-step guide on how to create them.
Benefits of Using Choice Boards
- Increased student engagement: When students have a say in their learning, they are more likely to be engaged in the material. Choice boards allow them to choose activities that they are interested in, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and motivation.
- Differentiation: Choice boards provide a way for teachers to differentiate instruction for their students. By providing a variety of activities at different levels, teachers can ensure that all students are challenged and working at their own pace.
- Autonomy: Choice boards give students a sense of autonomy over their own learning. This helps to build self-esteem and independence, which are important life skills.
- Choice boards can also help to build ownership of the learning process. By involving students in the creation of choice boards, teachers can help to build a sense of ownership and investment in their own learning.
Choice Boards are great for helping students transition to digital learning Kasey Bell from ShakeUpLearning has a wealth of information and guides and also check out some of her blog post. In addition she has a podcast of a teacher using choice boards.
Creating Choice Boards
Step 1: Determine the goal of the choice board
The first step in creating a choice board is to determine the goal of the activity. What is it that you want your students to learn or achieve by using the choice board? This will help to guide the selection of activities that you include on the board.
Step 2: Select activities
Once you have determined the goal of the choice board, it is time to select the activities that will be included. When selecting activities, it is important to consider the following:
- Variety: Include a range of activities that are at different levels and that cover different content areas.
- Interest: Include activities that will be interesting and engaging for your students.
- Relevance: Make sure that the activities are relevant to the goal of the choice board.
Step 3: Create the choice board
There are a few different ways that you can create a choice board. Some options include:
- Using a template: There are many templates available online that can be used to create choice boards.
- Creating your own: You can also create your own choice board using a blank sheet of paper or a whiteboard.
Step 4: Involve students in the process
Once the choice board is created, it is important to involve students in the process. This can be done by:
- Having them select the activities they want to complete
- Allowing them to suggest activities that they would like to see included on the choice board
- Involving them in the creation of the choice board
Step 5: Assess student learning
The final step in creating a choice board is to assess student learning. This can be done by:
- Observing students as they work on the choice board
- Having them reflect on what they have learned
- Assessing their work
In conclusion, choice boards are a powerful tool for educators to use in the classroom. They not only increase student engagement, but also provide a way for teachers to differentiate instruction. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create effective choice boards that will help your students to take control of their own learning.
