Activities like the digital Addition and Subtraction escape room I created were very closely aligned with our objectives and the skills/standards students need to know. For example, the escape room had students practicing different addition and subtraction strategies that we’ve been working on in this unit. As a bonus, students got to practice choosing the correct operation (addition or subtraction) using keywords and clues. Students were able to engage in real-life examples, review material, analyze information, and solve problems. I also started including opportunities for self-evaluation before and after the activity for them to self-assess their understanding, and for me to gain valuable insight into their learning progress. 

Differentiation was incorporated into this lesson as well because students who struggle with math or have learning difficulties received graphic organizers to help organize their work and thinking. Also, there is a student who has Down Syndrome (working at a Kindergarten level in 4th grade) in our class, and he was able to fully access this activity using a hundred chart, other manipulatives, and support from his one-on-one para.

Worksheet: