Different Types Of Choice Boards

 

For the past several years, there has been a movement to give students the opportunity to take more control over learning.  This can be done in tests, or assignments but not always in what they want to learn. However, they can be given a choice in how they practice the topic or concept.  One way is through the use of choice boards which are also known as menus or tic-tac-toe boards.

Choice boards are usually a subdivided board filled with activities that students choose from.  It might bar 3 by 3, 3 by 4, or even larger and each square contains a suggested activity .  

The choice board could contain the option of creating a rap song, making a visual representation, a poem, play a board game, do a few real world projects but these activities are designed to help the students learn. The board you create will have a specific focus so the choice in it will be different based on the topic or concept. 

When we use a choice board, we offer a powerful learning tool to our students because choice is a powerful motivator.  In addition, it allows students to do activities they want to do and are more comfortable working.  Students have more choice over how they progress through the unit, and it provides more time with teachers to conference with students. 

There are various types of choice boards.  There is the standards aligned choice board with choices that help students meet the standards.  Each column focuses on a specific standard while the choices within the column allow the student to choose an activity which helps them meet the standard. 

Another type of choice board is one that focuses on strategies such as problem solving.  The type of problem solving might be focused on word problems, figuring out the first step, converting words to numbers, or any other strategy.  The strategy board might not focus soley on math, it might focus on reading or vocabulary skills which is just as important in the math classroom as math skills.

Then there is a thematic choice board.  This one might be used more often in elementary school but could be used in the upper grades.  With a thematic choice board, one looks at a topic that is important but is not one found on the standards.  In elementary school, that topic might be looking at a holiday but in middle school, high school, it might be used to provide students with a brain break for students who finish first.  It might also cover real world activities, or just why show work.  

Instead of a study guide, use a study guide, make a traditional review and practice choice board.  This is the one we think of when we think about choice boards.  This board helps prepare students for the upcoming assessment by targeting vocabulary, concepts, and skills.  Encourage them to select one activity from each column so they choose the one that is most interesting to them.

You might create a performance task board that allows students to communicate their learning more effectively.  This is the one where you have students create the larger project that looks more at the overall amount learned.  It might be having a student create a TED talk, Infographic, create a slide show, etc.

Once you've decided which type of choice board you want to use, think about creating three different versions (advanced, regular, and scaffolded) for the different levels of learners in your classroom. This way you provide the correct level of rigor for all students in your class.

Next time, We'll look at the types of things you can use in a choice board.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.