A Focus on Differentiation

Let's talk differentiating! 

In a nutshell, differentiating is tailoring work to meet individual needs in the classroom.  You can differentiate content, product, process, and learning environment. Using continued assessment and flexible grouping allows continued success as students progress. 

This is a great post that breaks down the different areas that can be differentiated in the classroom. 

Through our "Connecting with DATA" this week, we were able to determine groupings for our students and drill down into areas that they need remediation or enrichment in.  How do we differentiate for these groups of learners?

During our Patriot Blocks, students can be grouped across the grade level for reading and math. 

Along with our data discussions in PLC, be sure to check out iStation! 

• The Priority Report will group your students based on skills. It will also provide a link to a resource for the individual group. The report groups students based on data & gives lessons to support the skill! 
• The Classroom Summary Report summarizes how students are performing on Istation assessments and instruction. This report gives you possible grouping information like Lexile level, percentile, grade level equivalency, areas of need, and so much more.

Check out these examples of differentiating in the K-3 classroom and how we can better meet our 
M-Powerment Strategies!

Watch this video all about differentiation!  

Content: 
M-5 Differentiation and Personalization & M-4 Data Driven Instruction

• Using reading materials at various levels.
• Providing a listening option for reading materials.
• Leveling spelling patterns or vocabulary words. 
• Presenting materials with different learning styles in mind.
• Meeting in small groups to reteach or frontload information. 

Process:

M-9 Students Skilled for Success

• Providing tiered activities that allow students to work on material with different levels of support. 
• Developing centers with learning styles in mind for students to encounter at their own pace. 
• Using timers, agendas, or a check-in system so that students can complete work at a slower pace.
• Providing manipulatives for reading and math work. 

Product: 

M-10 Student Engagement & M-7 Checks for Understanding

• Encouraging student different ways to express their learning. 
• Providing rubrics that match different learners.  
• Allowing students to produce work in groups with predetermined guidelines of what the project will contain. 

Learning Environment: 

M-1 Collaborative Culture of Caring

• Providing a quiet working environment and a place for students to collaborate and work in pairs or groups. 
• Using learning activities or tools to meet the diverse needs in your classroom.  
• Have clear and consistent guidelines for independent work/group work. 
• Keeping to a predictable routine to provide independence for all learners. 
• Create a learning community by helping students understand their unique learning styles and acceptance for other's styles and needs.  

Check out these simple differentiation ideas from Performing Education!

Good Stuff from The Primary Gal!

Let's not forget our gifted learners!  They need differentiation too!  Check out this blogpost for Miss Giraffe!