Looking for some ways to challenge your advanced mathematicians? If you’d like to keep them on the same topic as the rest of your class, consider increasing the complexity of your current unit. If they’re in need of more advanced curriculum to keep their creativity flowing, try to bring in novel ways of looking at math.
Differentiation
Making Inferences: Think Like An Anthropologist
Like all HM comprehension skills, “Making Inferences” appears yearly beginning in kindergarten, so I know my 6th graders have had practice, and may have mastered, the skill. To differentiate, I turned to Sandra Kaplan’s model of “thinking like a disciplinarian.” Students will be expected to think from the perspective of an expert, making well-informed inferences.
10 Ways To Differentiate Tomorrow
Ten simple ways to alter your classroom for the benefit of gifted learners.
Ask Them Which Is Better
Moving from analysis to evaluation sure makes things more fun. Why? Check out these examples. Which would you rather answer?
iPods, Apple Stock, & Authentic Math
Entice your gifted mathematicians with real world data and an authentic problem such as: “Let’s say that instead of buying the original iPod, you spent the same amount of money on Apple stock. How much would that stock be worth now?”
Do I Have To Work In A Group?
Once in a while, a student will ask me a question that makes me realize how much more there is to know about my class. One child came up and quietly asked me, “Do I have to work in a group?”
Enticing Gifted Students To Read Twice
Think you’re lucky to get your students to read a story once? Can’t imagine convincing a class to read a story through again? The key is giving your gifted students an enticing purpose for a reread.
Offer Choice With Extension Menus
One way to build flexibility into your classroom is through extension menus. Extension menus require upfront work to build, but offer endless options for your gifted students. Make them a part of your classroom culture and you’ll enable students to interact with content in meaningful ways.
Differentiating Math Lessons For Gifted Students
100%, 100%, 100%. If you’ve ever taught gifted students math, you’re probably familiar with those kids who can knock perfect scores out week after week. You’ve probably also questioned what good you’re doing for those students. A differentiated math program may be just what you need.
The Differentiator!
After writing an earlier article about differentiating objectives for gifted learners, I decided to create a system that would help me keep track of all my options.
And so, The Differentiator was born!