Differentiated Instruction: All students can learn provided the tools and opportunities

There are so many great resources on differentiation just like the video above!

What is Differentiation?

 

• Provides a variety of ways for students to feel successful, challenged and self-affirmed
• Meets the needs of individual students as each student is not the same. Every student has a strength or something they bring to the table that we can build upon
• It provides times for students to consolidate their thinking
• Helps students reach their full potential
• Celebrates the uniqueness of each student
• Improved self-esteem and confidence leads to fewer classroom management problemsd
• Creates an inclusive learning environment

Source: http://resources.curriculum.org/secretariat/march29.shtml

Obviously the above cartoon is not a snap shot of differentiation and treating students equitably, but treating them equally, which does not set everyone up for success. See below!

 

Multiple Intelligences

Everyone learns in a different way. Howard Garner identified these multiple intelligences above and for teachers it means to have a variety of instructional methods in order to meet the needs of all students we serve.

How can teachers provide differentiated instruction in the classroom?

• Use technology, visuals, art and drama to support and enhance learning
• Offer a variety of choices to meet the learning styles, needs and interests of students
• Allow extra time and practice to ensure success
• Scaffold learning by providing necessary support/tiered assignments/chunking instructions
• Using graphic organizers to organize thoughts and ideas
• Explicit teaching through think alouds, modeling, practice
• Foster talking, sharing and discussion
• Provide manipulatives for our hands-on learners (and not just in math class!)
• Collaborate with parents and other professionals on your team to create the best plan of action for your students

Have a purpose for teaching literacy and ask the following questions:

Why? How? What?

Why do we want kids to know these things? (content)

How do we want them engaged or using strategies?  (process)

What ways can a student show what they have learned? (product)