Choice Boards
Grades K-12
Big Idea
Choice boards and menus outline a variety of instructional options targeted toward important learning goals. Students are able to select the choices which most appeal to them and their learning style. The teacher directs the menu process, but the student is given control over his/her choice of option and the order to complete the tasks. Choice boards can be tiered for different challenge levels. Tic-Tac-Toe boards and menus are two different types of choice boards.
Here is a link for templates to create your own choice boards,
Directions
First identify the core concept or academic goal that the students need to complete. The activities can be at different complexity levels, include various learning styles and multiple intelligences, and arranged in an increasing level of difficulty or placed randomly. Students may choose to complete one activity or several different ones. The board may be organized so students have to complete one activity before moving on to another, may be random, or organized in a specific way such as forming 3-in-a-row (Tic-Tac-Toe).
When to Use
Choice Boards can be used for weekly tasks, homework assignments, reviewing content, projects and even assessments. Use of Choice Boards help to improve student motivation, engagement and learning by empowering them to learn to the best of their ability.
Choice Board in Action
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YMafOelxsA
Strategy Variations
- You can change the number of activities that are required, depending on the level of the student or provide color-coded boards for different groups or skills.
- Include at least one "free choice" square so students can create their own activity as long as it relates to the content and is approved by the teacher.
- Give students choice as to whether they work on the activities individually, with a partner or in small groups.