‘EVERY child is mathematical’, that’s what the Primary Mathematics Curriculum (2023) reminds us when we’re trying our best to reach those struggling students. When teaching maths in the senior classes, our top priority is making sure our students are engaged and able to access the curriculum, especially as the concepts and procedures become more difficult.
It’s our mission as teachers to help ALL children uncover those crucial skills and develop a positive disposition towards maths. As a newly qualified teacher, this can seem like a daunting and insurmountable task but fear not, Cáit’s Classroom is here to help.
My name is Katie, the teacher creator behind Cáit’s Classroom. Having navigated the challenges of differentiation in maths myself, I want to share with you my top three tips for differentiation when it comes to teaching maths to 3rd – 6th class:
- Varied Representations: Present mathematical concepts using different representations such as visual (diagrams, charts), concrete (hands-on/digital manipulatives), and abstract (symbols, equations).This approach helps ensure that all students can grasp the concepts effectively, whether they learn best through visual representations, hands-on activities, or symbolic reasoning. This approach fosters deeper comprehension and engagement among students with diverse learning needs.
Example: When learning multiplication, students explore varied representations—making arrays with manipulatives, drawing diagrams, or solving equations.
- Peer Tutoring: Pair students with varying levels of understanding to work together on maths tasks. The more advanced student can act as a tutor, explaining concepts and providing support. This not only benefits the struggling learner by receiving personalised assistance, but also reinforces understanding for the tutor through teaching and explaining.
Example: A student who excels in fractions supports a student who struggles with the concept by using visuals and clear explanations to help them grasp adding fractions with different denominators.
- Choice Boards: Offer students choice in how they show their understanding of a concept. Create a choice board with different activities or tasks related to the topic, allowing students to select the ones that align with their interests and learning styles. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and showcase their understanding in meaningful ways.
Example: To demonstrate understanding of lines and angles, students could choose to create a poster, write a story involving angles of varying degrees, or create their own problems based on identifying different types of line.
Navigating the complexities of differentiation in maths can be challenging, especially for newly qualified teachers. However, by implementing these practical strategies and remaining open to experimentation and adaptation, you can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to achieve success.
Ready to take the next step in your maths teaching journey? Explore Cáit’s Classroom for curriculum aligned lesson plans and resources featuring guidance on differentiated instruction for both struggling and advanced learners.
Plus, don’t forget to follow me on TikTok @caits.classroom and Instagram @caitsclassroom for more teaching inspiration and tips. Together, let’s unlock maths mastery and empower our students to excel in their mathematical journey! Click the image below to shop the store:
