Many kids find math challenging, and sometimes, the reason is that teachers use the same method to teach every kid in their class simultaneously. However, parents cannot completely fault teachers because with a full curriculum and limited time, they cannot go from student to student trying to master their learning styles to create a teaching system that suits each kid.
Unfortunately, it means that some kids will be left behind. Thankfully, there is differentiated math instruction that refers to a method when teachers can create interactive math lessons in a learning environment that caters to the learning needs of all students in their class, regardless of kids’ learning styles.
Here are a few tips you can use in teaching math to diverse learners:
Use Manipulative Visual Aids
Some students struggle with abstract concepts and as such, would require visual aids like blocks, counters, diagrams, and graphs. Such kids need to see and touch math tools to assimilate the ideas behind the math concepts and work with them. Visual aids also help remember math concepts when children need them later on. You can get diverse visual aids on top math apps.
Use Activity Cards
Sometimes, you need to talk to kids and ask them how they would love to learn. Share activity cards related to math concepts in the class and let kids choose the method to learn a particular math topic. The cards will have different activities, from playing games, watching videos, teaching peers, or just talking about the concept. An alternative to an activity card is a choice board where students can choose how they want to learn a topic.
Present a Concept in Multiple Ways
Some math concepts, like fractions, can be represented differently. You can explain fractions using graphs, diagrams, number lines, and word problems. Each of these presentations will affect kids differently. Children will naturally gravitate towards how they think is best in fractions. The goal is to get to the end of the lesson knowing how to solve fractions using diverse math learning approaches.
Encourage Journaling
Math teaching for kids is different from that for adults. Kids cannot immediately tell you how they would want you to teach them like adults would, so encourage students to write about how they felt about each lesson. This exercise will teach them to talk about their feelings about math, which may include their fears and their loves, but more importantly, it will show you how they love to learn.
Conclusion
A differentiated math approach is the best strategy to teach a class filled with diverse learners, especially if you want them all to have good results at the end of the year.
Teaching is not, and would never be a one-size-fits-all situation; you must try a different-strokes approach. Since you may not have the chance to create a stylized approach to each child’s learning, use the above tips.
