Mr.+Gnewuch

I taught using doubles to subtract by lining kids up in different parts of the room. I chose students who seem to benefit more from moving around. I also let some students use manipulatives. Also, I encouraged some students to use their fingers to help them. The more I work with and get to know the students, the more I am able to recommend their "go to" system.

I think you hit on something important when it comes to the more you know students, the more you can do. One question to think about, or at least one that I'm always wrestling with: when can students get to the point where we don't even need to recommend a "go-to" system, because they just know what works best for them? Obviously this isnt easy in 2nd or 5th grade, but its worth thinking about because if students can do the differentiating, it could be less work for us. --jb