If you’ve ever looked at your math workshop block and thought:
“How do I keep everyone engaged… without cloning myself?”
You’re not alone. Managing a room full of learners at different levels, with different needs (and moods 😅), is a serious challenge.
That’s where differentiated choice boards come in—and why they’ve become one of my secret weapons for running smooth, student-centered math workshop rotations.
💡 What Are Choice Boards (and Why Are They Magical)?
Choice boards are exactly what they sound like: a menu of activity options students can choose from based on their level, learning style, or current goal.
But these aren’t just busy work boxes. When designed well, choice boards can:
✅ Encourage student ownership
✅ Offer built-in differentiation
✅ Reinforce key concepts in multiple ways
✅ Create structure during rotations
✅ Reduce behavior issues (because students are engaged!)
🔁 How I Use Choice Boards in Math Workshop
I use choice boards in a few different ways throughout the year:
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As my consistent stations (to review skills that have already been taught and/or mastered)
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For early finishers who need a meaningful challenge
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During assessment review weeks when I want student-led practice
Students learn how to make smart choices—and I get more time to work with small groups without interruptions.
🖨️ Grab My Free Differentiated Choice Board
I’ve put together a FREE Differentiated Choice Board you can use right away in your classroom. They include:
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Editable templates to match your unit or topic
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Directions that support independence
- Streamlined and easy to read directions for easy implementation
They’re perfect for grades 4–8, and they’ll save you HOURS of prep while still offering challenge, variety, and structure.
🧰 Want to Take Your Math Workshop to the Next Level?
If you’re new to math workshop or want help organizing your block, check out my Math Workshop eBook—a full guide to planning, grouping, managing behavior, and building a system that works for you.
🎯 Includes 15+ editable templates for:
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Rotation setup
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Student observation + grouping
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Weekly planning
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Guided math tracking
📘 Click here to grab the eBook while it’s on sale
You can also grab it on TpT here if you would like. It’s on sale there as well.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Math workshop doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right tools (like differentiated choice boards and a clear plan), you can run a smooth, student-centered math block that actually works.
Grab your free download, give it a try this week, and let me know how it goes!
