I love resources that can be used so many different ways. And this is one of them! Differentiation of activities can feel a little overwhelming to begin with, but let me show you how this simple ladybug activity can be used so many different ways.
The best type of differentiation isn’t about what you change, but what you keep the same! The reason for this is that it shouldn’t be noticeable to the kids (or other teachers or parents)!! There is nothing worse than hearing the child who knows they’re doing the ‘easy’ activity or the child who yells across the room “you’re not doing that activity.. that’s only for *name*!!”
A fantastic thing about investigation style learning is that the differentiation kinda naturally happens because it’s all about exploration and you’ll find peer teaching and learning naturally occurring!! This is also where the environment (the resources and how they are presented) become the 3rd teacher 💕💕
Differentiated with the same materials!
🐞 Match the number of dots
A game of match when you have two sets of the large ladybug stones together.
🐞 Memory Match the number of dots
Just like above, except, flip the ladybugs over and turn them over like a game of memory with the aim to make a pair!
🐞 Count the collection to match the dots
Using the mini ladybugs count them out to represent the number of dots on the big ladybugs back!
🐞 Match the numeral
Match the ladybug and the dots on the back to the acrylic number. Simple, but so effective!
🐞 Match the numeral, count the collection on a tens frame
Take the above that little step further and use the tens frame (and acrylic counters) to show that number on the tens frame.
🐞 Count out the double (or any 2 numbers) and show the total, then show the addition sum
This will get you using the acrylic numbers and the ladybugs to create simple mathematic equations.
What learning areas would you love some more ideas on differentiating? Let me know in the comments!
Ps. Here’s the links for the resources 😏
My name is Sommer. I am a mum of 3. A resource creator. A Prep teacher in Queensland. A lover of play-based learning. A special needs advocate. A creative thinker. A believer that learning should be fun.. so fun that they don't know they're learning!
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