The Power of Choice: 7 Reasons to Use Choice Boards in the Classroom
Something we can probably all agree on: engaging students in learning is tougher than ever. Teachers are continually seeking innovative ways to motivate students and have them take ownership of their own learning. One of the most effective ways I have found is by bringing choice boards into the classroom. Here are just some of the reasons I love them!
1. Encourages autonomy and responsibility
Choice boards provide students with a menu of options for demonstrating their understanding of a concept. By allowing students to choose activities that align with their interests and learning styles, teachers empower them to take ownership of their education. This sense of autonomy not only motivates students but also instills a sense of responsibility for their own learning.
2. Provides opportunities for differentiation
No two classrooms are the same, and each student comes with their own strengths, challenges, and preferences. Choice boards offer a flexible framework that gives students a chance to shine with their chosen tasks. Whether it’s varying the complexity of tasks or tailoring activities to different learning styles, choice boards enable teachers to address the unique needs of individual students within a single assignment.
3. Inspires creativity and personal expression
Choice boards provide a way for students to showcase their creativity and individuality. Whether it’s through a written reflection, a visual project, or a hands-on activity, students can express themselves in ways that are meaningful for them. This personalized approach to learning not only makes the content more relevant but also encourages a deeper connection with the material.
4. Increases engagement and motivation
Engagement is the key to effective learning, and choice boards are a powerful tool for sparking students’ interest. When learners have the freedom to select tasks, they become more invested in the learning process.
Choice boards are perfect for making an otherwise dull subject more personal and meaningful by providing options for different ways to tackle it. For example, most students find spelling practice painfully boring. But giving them options for how they practice can turn a snooze-worthy task into something that’s actually fun!
I created these spelling choice boards specifically for upper elementary and middle school students to practice spelling words in a way that doesn’t feel “babyish.” Actually, the variety of tasks could work for older students as well. (Spelling can be a BIG challenge at any age!) Best of all, these activities can be used for ANY list!
5. Fosters collaboration and peer learning
Choice boards often include collaborative activities that can really spice things up in the classroom! Students are able to team up on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other. It’s a chance for students to dive into different viewpoints, making the whole learning process more engaging.
6. Allows for flexibility in the classroom
Choice boards can be adapted for any topic, theme or holiday, and there are so many ways you can incorporate them into your classroom. As an example, I created a choice board for creative Halloween writing activities, and by the way, you can grab it for FREE!
Use choice boards as a formative assessment or as a bell ringer, early finisher, brain break, or Fun Friday activity. Or keep them on hand to include as part of your sub plans.
Choice boards can turn down time into an opportunity for learning and meaningful practice. And your students will no longer have to ask, “I’m done, now what?” Students think they’re just getting a fun break, but you know they’re actually doing a brain-building activity. That spells a win-win for me!
I’ve created a line of monthly choice boards that are chock full of fun activities to get students thinking, creating, or writing. I use them whenever there is a little extra time or I want to give my students a fun break. I’m sure your students will love them just as much!
Each choice board contains unique activities that are connected to the month, season, or “fun holiday” that occurs that month. This means that each month is planned out for you with an assortment of fresh activities that are sure to keep your students engaged!
7. Saves you time and work!
Having choice boards on hand allows you to have differentiated and varied activities on hand and ready to go. No more constantly trying to come up with customized activities that you hope will engage your students. Instead, you’ll collect a variety of tasks and have them choose. Best of all, you can use your print and go choice boards year after year with different groups of students, saving you a ton of planning time in the long run!
Bring the power of choice to your classroom!
This versatile tool brings autonomy, creativity, and collaboration to any classroom. With the power to help meet academic goals while engaging and inspiring students, choice boards can be an invaluable addition to any teacher’s toolkit.
Get started today with print and go choice boards
If you’d like to use choice boards with your students, but you’re not quite sure how to start, I’ve got you covered! Grab the Year-Long Choice Board Activities for Bell Ringers, Early Finishers, Brain Breaks and you’ll be set for the whole year!
This bundle is more than just a collection of choice boards; each activity comes with a worksheet with more explanations, examples, or graphic organizers. This avoids the dreaded, “What are we supposed to do?” because each sheet includes everything needed to help students clearly understand the task and get started with the activity.
If you’d love to give your students a fun and fresh way to practice spelling words, you might like these Spelling Practice Choice Boards. This includes 2 differentiated versions so they are perfect for any level, and the activities can work with any spelling list. The choice boards contain a variety of unique activities that will make spelling practice fun! And just like with the monthly choice boards, each task includes an activity sheet with instructions, examples, and graphic organizers. This makes assigning the activities a breeze!
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