How to Differentiate, Digitally

Can you all believe that May is here already?? What a wild school year! This end of the year is going to look different from any other end of the year season we’ve seen before, but I’m constantly impressed with the ways that teachers find digital solutions to meet their students’ needs!

Today, I wanted to share how I designed my Math PBLs to be differentiated, but still digital. All of my PBLs come with two versions of most math tasks. In the printable version, it’s easy enough to just print and create packets of circle pages for lower-level learners, and copy separate, square-page packets for advanced learners. But how can you create different project versions, digitally? Let me teach you!

PS: Almost ALL of my Math PBLs come with a digital and printable versions in the same listing! You can purchase digital-only versions of my PBLs in bundles, but if you’re hoping to use the printable version in class one day, you can get them all in one place!

How to Differentiate a Digital Math PBL:

Step 1: Download the PBL of your choice into Google Slides. I have US, Australian, and Canadian versions of each PBL project.

Step 2: Get familiar with the different levels that are offered. Some tasks are the same for all students, while others have one copy with a circle in the upper-right hand corner, or a square. The circle pages are slightly easier…best for on-level (or maybe approaching level) 2nd graders. The square pages offer a challenge for more advanced learners!

Step 3: Make a copy of the entire presentation. In Google Slides, you’ll select File, Make a Copy, Entire Presentation

Step 4: Name this new copy something helpful to you that tells you what version it will be (circle or square).

Step 5: Delete all of the pages you DON’T want students to do. If this is going to be a circle-level packet, delete all pages with a square in the upper corner, and vice-versa.

Step 6: Repeat copying the master, and deleting irrelevant pages to make a different level of the same activity.

Step 7: Share with your students! Maybe you have a cluster of Gifted and Talented kids who will need the challenging packet. Share the square version with them, and the circle version with the rest of your class! The great thing about differentiating this activity, is it provides you with plenty of flexibility to best meet your students’ needs!