Open Source Materials

Here are some steps to follow when using Open Middle tasks in a choice board:

1. Choose an open middle task that is appropriate for the level and skills of your students. You can also choose from various grade levels and provide differentiated tasks for the students. There are many resources available online that provide open middle tasks for various grade levels and math topics/standards.

2. Read the task carefully and make sure you understand the constraints or conditions provided. This may involve identifying key variables or parameters, and clarifying any unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts.

3. Encourage your students to think about the problem and develop a plan of attack. This may involve brainstorming strategies, drawing diagrams or models, computations, or working backwards from a solution.

4. Provide guidance and support as needed, but try to avoid giving away the answer or solving the problem for your students. Instead, ask questions that prompt critical thinking and help them develop their own problem-solving skills.

5. Have the students review their answers with each other and discuss the reasoning and strategies used to arrive at the answer. This can help reinforce key concepts and build confidence in their ability to solve open middle math tasks.

Here are some steps you can follow to use YouCubed tasks effectively in a choice board for developing number sense:

1. Choose a YouCubed task that focuses on number sense. YouCubed provides a variety of tasks that are designed to develop number sense, including activities that involve counting, comparing, estimating, and visualizing numbers.

2. Provide clear instructions and expectations for the task. Make sure your students understand what they are supposed to do and how they will be assessed on their work.

3. Encourage your students to work collaboratively and share their strategies and solutions with one another. This can help build a sense of community and promote deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

4. Emphasize the importance of making sense of the numbers and the problem context. Encourage your students to explain their reasoning and make connections between the problem and their own experiences.

5. Provide feedback and support as needed. Be available to answer questions and provide guidance, but also give your students the opportunity to work through challenges and make mistakes.

6. After the task is completed, engage in a class discussion or reflection to help students consolidate their learning. This can include sharing strategies, discussing common misconceptions, and reflecting on how the task helped develop their number sense.

Here are some general tips on how to use Tang Math Games and Puzzles effectively:

1. Start with the basics: Before diving into the more challenging puzzles, it's important to master the foundational concepts of mathematics. Begin with the introductory puzzles and games to get a feel for the types of challenges presented.

2. Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to improving math skills. Try to set aside some time each day or week to work on Tang Math puzzles and games.

3. Work systematically: When working on puzzles, it's important to approach them systematically. Try to break down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts, and work through them one at a time.

4. Collaborate with others: Working with others can help you learn new problem-solving strategies and build your critical thinking skills. Consider working on Tang Math puzzles with a friend, classmate, or teacher.

5. Keep a record of progress: Keeping a record of your progress can help you stay motivated and track your improvement over time. Consider keeping a log of the puzzles and games you've completed, along with any notes on how you solved them.

Here are some tips on how to use Illustrative Math Tasks effectively in a choice board:

1. Choose tasks that are appropriate for the level of the learner. It's important to select tasks that are challenging but not too difficult for the learner to complete. If the task is too easy, the learner may become bored and disengaged. If the task is too difficult, the learner may become frustrated and discouraged.

2. Clearly communicate the learning objective. Before starting the task, make sure the learner understands what they are supposed to be learning from the task. This can help the learner focus their attention on the important aspects of the task.

3. Use the task as a problem-solving activity. Rather than simply presenting the task as an exercise to be completed, encourage the learner to approach the task as a problem to be solved. This can help them develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills.

4. Provide guidance as needed. Depending on the level of the learner, they may need guidance or support in completing the task. Be prepared to provide explanations, examples, or additional resources as needed.

5. Encourage reflection and discussion. After the task is completed, encourage the learner to reflect on their experience and discuss their approach and thought process. This can help them consolidate their learning and identify areas where they may need further practice.

Here are some ways to use NRICH  Tasks in choice boards:

1. Introduce the task: Choose a task that is appropriate for your students and introduce it to the class. Provide a brief explanation of the task and any necessary background information.

2. Encourage collaboration: NRICH tasks often require students to work together in pairs or small groups. Encourage collaboration and communication among students as they work on the task.

3. Ask questions: Ask questions to help guide students’ thinking and encourage them to explain their reasoning. This can help deepen their understanding of the mathematical concepts involved in the task.

4. Allow time for exploration: NRICH tasks are often open-ended and require time for exploration and experimentation. Allow your students enough time to explore the task and come up with multiple solutions.

5. Share solutions: Encourage students to share their solutions with the class. This can help promote a sense of community and allow students to learn from each other.

6. Reflect: After the task is complete, take some time to reflect on the experience. Ask students about what they learned, what challenges they faced, and what strategies they used to solve the task.

Here are some steps to follow when using K-5 Math Teaching Resources Journal Prompts:

1. Introduce the journal prompt: Start by sharing the journal prompt with your students. You can either display it on a screen or write it on the board. Make sure you give your students enough time to read and think about the prompt.

2. Explain the task: Once your students have had time to read and think about the prompt, explain what you want them to do. You may want them to write a paragraph or two, draw a picture, or create a diagram that helps them explain their thinking.

3. Encourage reflection: Encourage your students to reflect on their thinking and learning. You can ask them questions like "How did you arrive at your answer?" or "What strategies did you use to solve the problem?" to prompt deeper reflection.

4. Set a time limit: It's important to set a time limit for the journaling task. Depending on the prompt and your students' abilities, the time limit may vary. You can give them 5-10 minutes to complete the task.

5. Share and discuss: After the time is up, ask your students to share their work with a partner or the whole class. This can be a great opportunity for students to learn from each other and to clarify their own understanding of math concepts.

Here are some steps on how to incorporate K-5 Math Teaching Resources Projects into a choice board:

1. Identify appropriate teaching resource projects: Look for teaching resource projects that align with the grade level and learning objectives of your students. For example, a first-grade teacher might choose a project that focuses on basic addition and subtraction, while a fifth-grade teacher might choose a project that introduces fractions.

2. Determine the level of student engagement: Consider the level of engagement required for the teaching resource project. Will students need to work independently or collaboratively? Will they need access to technology or specific materials?

3. Create a clear task: Develop a clear task that outlines the objective of the project and the steps that students will need to take to complete it. Include any necessary resources, such as worksheets or video tutorials.

4. Integrate the project into the choice board: Incorporate the teaching resource project into the choice board as one of the options that students can choose from. Make sure to provide clear instructions and expectations for students when working on the project.

5. Include a reflection or assessment component: Provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning or assess their understanding of the topic. This could involve a written reflection or a self-assessment of their work.

6. Provide support as needed: Be available to provide support and guidance as needed. This could involve answering questions or providing additional resources.

Here are some steps to follow when using Math for Love Tasks in a choice board:

1. Choose the tasks: Start by selecting a variety of Math for Love tasks that cover different math concepts and skills. You can find a list of tasks on their website or in their book "Math for Love: About Teaching Mathematics for a Growth Mindset."

2. Create a choice board: Create a choice board that includes the Math for Love tasks as well as other math activities that cover the same concepts and skills. This will give students the option to choose the Math for Love tasks or other activities that they feel more comfortable with.

3. Explain the tasks: Provide clear instructions for each Math for Love task, including any materials or resources that students will need. Make sure students understand the task and know what is expected of them.

4. Set a time limit: It's important to set a time limit for each task to ensure that students are able to complete all of the activities in a reasonable amount of time. Depending on the task, you may want to give students 20-30 minutes to complete it.

5. Encourage collaboration: Many Math for Love tasks are designed to be completed in pairs or small groups. Encourage students to work together and to discuss their thinking and problem-solving strategies.

6. Reflect on learning: After students have completed the Math for Love tasks, ask them to reflect on what they learned and how they approached the task. Thi

Here are some steps to follow when using Flip in math choice boards:

1. Choose the tasks: Start by selecting a variety of math tasks that cover different concepts and skills. These can include problems, puzzles, or challenges that students need to solve.

2. Create a choice board: Create a choice board that includes the math tasks as well as a Flip option. For the Flip option, provide clear instructions on what students should do and how they should use Flip to demonstrate their thinking.

3. Set up a Flip topic: Create a Flip topic that is specifically for the math choice board. Provide a clear and concise prompt that students should respond to.

4. Share the Flip link: Share the Flip link with your students, along with any necessary instructions on how to access and use the platform.

5. Encourage participation: Encourage students to participate in the Flip  option by highlighting the benefits of sharing their thinking and strategies with their peers. Consider providing incentives or rewards for students who participate.

6. Provide feedback: After students have submitted their Flip responses, provide feedback that is specific, actionable, and supportive. This can be done through comments, video responses, or live feedback sessions

For additional insights

Use Flip to curate video math libraries of students explaining math concepts. Students have to write scripts to then use as they record themselves. We call it FLIP Teacher, because students explain their understanding to  others to deepen their comprehension of concepts. Flip can also be used  for number talks. Students can write scripts for number talks in partnerships and use FLIP to record their number talk. Additionally, students can articulate their math understanding through the creation of Math Model Posters with explanations. 

Here are some steps to follow when using PhET Simulations in choice boards:

1. Choose the simulations: Start by selecting a variety of PhET simulations that cover different math concepts and skills. You can find a list of simulations on their website or by searching for specific topics on their platform.

2. Create a choice board: Create a choice board that includes the PhET simulations as well as other math activities that cover the same concepts and skills. This will give students the option to choose the simulations or other activities that they feel more comfortable with.

3. Explain the simulations: Provide clear instructions for each PhET simulation, including any specific goals or tasks that students should complete. Make sure students understand the simulation and know how to navigate it.

4. Set a time limit: It's important to set a time limit for each simulation to ensure that students are able to complete all of the activities in a reasonable amount of time. Depending on the simulation, you may want to give students 20-30 minutes to explore it.

5. Encourage reflection: After students have completed the PhET simulations, ask them to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply it to real-life situations. This can be done through a class discussion or a written reflection.

6. Provide guidance: While the simulations are designed to be self-guided, students may need additional support or guidance. Be available to answer questions and provide assistance as needed.

Here are some steps to follow when using Prodigy Math Games in choice boards:

1. Choose the games: Start by selecting a variety of Prodigy Math Games that cover different math concepts and skills. You can find a list of games on their website or by searching for specific topics on their platform.

2. Create a choice board: Create a choice board that includes the Prodigy Math Games as well as other math activities that cover the same concepts and skills. This will give students the option to choose the games or other activities that they feel more comfortable with.

3. Provide access: Ensure that all students have access to the Prodigy Math Games platform, either by providing individual accounts or by setting up a classroom account that students can use.

4. Explain the games: Provide clear instructions for each Prodigy Math Game, including any specific goals or tasks that students should complete. Make sure students understand the game and know how to navigate it.

5. Set a time limit: It's important to set a time limit for each game to ensure that students are able to complete all of the activities in a reasonable amount of time. Depending on the game, you may want to give students 20-30 minutes to play it.

6. Monitor progress: Prodigy Math Games offers progress tracking and assessment tools that you can use to monitor student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

Here are some steps to follow when using Ditch That Textbook templates in math choice boards:

1. Choose the templates: Start by selecting the Ditch That Textbook templates that best fit your math choice board needs. These templates can be found on the Ditch That Textbook website.

2. Customize the templates: Once you have selected the templates, customize them to include the math tasks and activities that you have chosen. You can add text, images, and links to online resources.

3. Create a choice board: Use the customized templates to create a choice board that includes a variety of math tasks and activities. Make sure to include clear instructions for each task, as well as any necessary materials or resources.

4. Provide access: Ensure that all students have access to the choice board, either by sharing it through a learning management system or by printing out copies.

5. Set expectations: Clearly communicate expectations for completing the math tasks and activities on the choice board, including deadlines and any grading criteria.

6. Monitor progress: Monitor student progress and provide support and feedback as needed. Consider using online tools to track progress and provide feedback in real-time.