Choice Boards/Menus

What are they?

They are boards/ menus that give
students the choice of what activities
to complete or in what order to
complete activities. The boards/
menus can be used in a variety of
ways. They can be used to
differentiate instruction and
accommodate different learning styles.

Benefits?

Increases the time students stay on task

Decrease disruptive behavior

Increases task completion

Low intensity strategy easy to implement

Sense of self-efficacy

Gives the students a sense of control and input in

their education

Increased content understanding

Inclusion of children with different learning styles

Can be used for any content area

Who benefits from this learning strategy?

Students with autism: Helps with communication, task completion, and decreases
disruptive behavior

Students with learning disabilities: Helps with time on task and task completion;
incorporate multiple learning styles

ALL STUDENTS: Gives them ownership of their learning. Great for inclusion classrooms as there can be multiple choice boards.

How to Use Choice Boards/

Menus in the Classroom
Step #1

Design the various

activities from which
the students will
choose

You can find a template

online:

Remember: All choices

must incorporate the
key ideas and skills.

Step #2

http://visuals.autism.net/main.php?
g2_itemId=103
https://
daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/
Choice+Boards

Create the Choice

Board/Menu

Adaptations:
Use pictures instead of words for
younger or students with reading
disabilities
Create Reward Choice Board.
Have the students pick more than one
activity
Let the students choose the order or
materials for an activity from a menu
Create different choice boards/menus
for students at different levels
Have fun with the boards/menus

Step #3

Let the students choose

which activity/activities
to complete

References:
Lane, K. L., Royer, D. J., Messenger, M. L., Common, E. A., Ennis, R. P., & Swogger, E. D. (2015). Empowering Teachers with
Low- Intensity Strategies to Support Academic Engagement: Implementation and Effects of Instructional Choice for
Elementary Students in Inclusive Settings. Education and Treatment of Children, 38(4), 473-504. Retrieved February 05,
2016.
Taylor, B. K. (2015). Content, Process, and Product: Modeling Differentiated Instruction. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 51(1), 13-17.
Retrieved February 05, 2016.
Scigliano, D., & Hipsky, S. (2010). 3 Ring Circus of Differentiated Instruction. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 46(2), 82-86.
Stenhoff, D. M., Davey, B. J., & Lignugaris/kraft, B. (2008). The Effects of Choice on Assignment Completion and Percent Correct
by a High School Student with a Learning Disability. Education and Treatment of Children, 31(2), 203-211.