The Power of Choice: Transforming Education with Choice Boards and Learning Menus

Today, I want to talk about something I am truly passionate about: choice boards and learning menus. If you are thinking, "Kristen, is there anything you are not passionate about?" Well, the truth is, I love everything about education and learning! If you haven’t already incorporated these into your teaching toolkit, you’re missing out on something truly special.

So, what are choice boards and learning menus? They are like a menu at your favorite restaurant, but instead of choosing between appetizers and entrees, students get to choose how they want to learn and demonstrate their understanding of a topic. It’s all about giving them the power to choose their own adventure in learning.

Digital Choice Board Instructions

Why do I love them so much? Well, for starters, they make learning fun. When students have the freedom to explore topics that interest them, engagement is high. Plus, they are still mastering those essential skills and concepts—it’s a win-win!

Digital Choice Board Example

But the benefits don’t stop there. Choice boards and learning menus also allow for differentiation, ensuring that every student’s needs are met. Whether it is catering to different learning styles or providing options for varying levels of difficulty, everyone can find something that works for them.

Digital Choice Board Activity Example

Check out this neat idea of using a Learning Menu from the Traveloteacher in which they break down the activity, providing instructions and examples to ensure students understands how to engage with the Learning Menu effectively.

The topic of the learning menu is tackling plastic pollution. It contains three sections - Appetizer, Main Course, and Desert, each consisting of three tasks.

The tasks in the Appetizer section are compulsory - students have to complete all of them. In the Main Course section students can choose one task they want to work on. 

The Desert section is optional, however, the activities in this section are simply irresistible and students will most likely be happy to do them.

You can download the learning menu to see how it is being utilized with students. 

Next Steps

So, if you are looking to "jazz up" your learning materials and empower your students, consider integrating choice boards and learning menus into your teaching practice. Trust me, once you see the impact they can have, you will wonder how you ever taught without them. For additional inspiration and ideas, be sure to visit the listed websites for resources and examples to get you started.

1. How to Use a Digital Choice Board in Your Class
Using Choice Boards for Students to Differentiate Instruction
2. Digital Choice Board Examples
3. Digital Choice Boards for Science
4. Free Digital Choice Board Templates for All Grades
5. Digital Choice Boards and Interactive Learning Materials for Teachers and Students
6. Digital Choice Boards

And if you are interested in taking this concept beyond the classroom and into teacher professional development, check out "Teacher PD Choice Boards, Learning Menus, and Playlists". There, you will find innovative ways to engage educators in their own learning journey through these dynamic tools.

Here’s to the power of choice and the endless possibilities it brings to education. Let’s give our students the freedom to learn and grow in their own unique way. Happy Teaching!