Differentiating Instruction With Menus: Language Arts Grades

Differentiating Instruction With Menus: Language Arts (Grades 6-8)

by Laurie E. Westphal

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	173 pages
Paperback	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.4 x 0.3 x 8.4 inches

FREE

Differentiation is a teaching strategy that allows teachers to meet the individual needs of their students. It involves providing students with different learning opportunities and activities that are tailored to their strengths and interests. One way to differentiate instruction is to use menus.

What are Menus?

Menus are a type of activity choice board that gives students a variety of options to choose from. Students can choose activities that are at their level, that interest them, and that meet their learning needs. Menus can be used for any subject area, but they are particularly well-suited for language arts.

Benefits of Using Menus

There are many benefits to using menus in the language arts classroom. Some of the benefits include:

• Increased student engagement: When students are given choices, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning. Menus allow students to choose activities that they are interested in, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement.
• Differentiated instruction: Menus allow teachers to provide students with different learning opportunities and activities that are tailored to their individual needs. This can help to ensure that all students are learning at their own pace and level.
• Student ownership: When students are given choices, they feel a sense of ownership over their learning. This can lead to increased independence and self-directed learning.
• Easy to implement: Menus are a relatively easy and inexpensive way to differentiate instruction. They can be created using simple materials, such as paper and markers, and they can be adapted to fit any grade level or learning style.

Tips for Creating Effective Menus

When creating menus, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Start with a clear purpose: What are the goals of the menu? What skills or concepts do you want students to learn? Once you know the purpose of the menu, you can begin to choose activities that will help students achieve those goals.
• Provide a variety of options: Menus should offer students a variety of activities to choose from. This will help to ensure that there are activities that are appropriate for all students, regardless of their learning style or level.
• Differentiate the activities: Activities on the menu should be differentiated in terms of difficulty, complexity, and interest. This will help to ensure that all students are challenged and engaged in their learning.
• Make the menu visually appealing: Menus should be visually appealing and easy to understand. Use bright colors, clear fonts, and simple graphics to make the menu easy to navigate.

Examples of Menus

The following are examples of menus that can be used in language arts classrooms:

Example 1: Reading Menu

This menu provides students with a variety of reading activities to choose from. Activities are differentiated in terms of difficulty, complexity, and interest. Students can choose activities that are at their level, that interest them, and that meet their learning needs.

Example 2: Writing Menu

This menu provides students with a variety of writing activities to choose from. Activities are differentiated in terms of difficulty, complexity, and interest. Students can choose activities that are at their level, that interest them, and that meet their learning needs.

Example 3: Grammar Menu

This menu provides students with a variety of grammar activities to choose from. Activities are differentiated in terms of difficulty, complexity, and interest. Students can choose activities that are at their level, that interest them, and that meet their learning needs.

Menus are a powerful tool for differentiating instruction in language arts classrooms. They allow teachers to provide students with different learning opportunities and activities that are tailored to their individual needs. Menus can be used to increase student engagement, differentiate instruction, and promote student ownership. When creating menus, it is important to start with a clear purpose, provide a variety of options, differentiate the activities, and make the menu visually appealing.

Differentiating Instruction With Menus: Language Arts (Grades 6-8)

by Laurie E. Westphal

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	173 pages
Paperback	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.4 x 0.3 x 8.4 inches

FREE