Differentiating Instruction with Menus: Math (Grades 3-5)
Laurie Westphal experienced academic concepts in the same manner as other students--through the use of chapter reading and questions, and copying notes. After questioning this practice, she decided to break the mold when she entered the classroom as a teacher. She was given the freedom to develop engaging, product-based lessons and activities, which encouraged choice, the kind of teaching she missed as a student.   She used this method of teaching science for 14 years, both overseas and in the U.S., as well as presented staff development and worked in gifted education. She currently works as an independent gifted education and science consultant, sharing her message as a staff developer and nationwide speaker on menus and differentiation.