Differentiation: Multiplying and dividing negative numbers

Many students find differentiating with a classroom a daunting task. They usually think that they need a different activity or worksheet for each little group of pupil's. This is NOT the case.
We spent a good amount of time discussing how you can use one resource and then differentiate it for different abilities within one class.

We were looking particularly at year 7/8 and how you would consolidate their understanding of multiplying and dividing negative numbers.




Different groups looked at different ideas of how to challenge the most able but also support the lower ability pupils within a class.

One idea looked at Trick or Trash from the number loving website.

My students looked at different ways to use this resource within one maths set. All pupils will complete this worksheet but with different levels of support or questions. 

1. Have tips and helpful hints around the edge of the worksheet. 
2. Get pupils to explain why an answer was incorrect. This looks at misconceptions and this is something that pupils find difficult to do. 
3. Miss a number from the middle column and ask how both answers could be achieved. 
4. Include two answers which are incorrect and get the pupil to explain why. 
5. Get the pupils to create their own trick or trash worksheet.

All these ideas only used one worksheet but the understanding achieved by the pupil varies depending on which idea you use. 

So when you are thinking of planning a lesson, first think about the varying abilities within one class and think about how you are going to challenge all the learners. It is not just about teaching for a test. Teach for understanding and allow some creativity!