 |
| These leaves are just like the students in your classroom! Just as no 2 leaves are exactly the same, two children do not learn in the same way or at the same time! |
Today I would like to share with you three easy ways that I have differentiated for my students during the past twenty-something years.
1. Create Learning Stations
Provide different types of content by setting up learning stations (centers) — divided sections of your classroom through which groups of students rotate. Each station should use a unique method of teaching a skill or concept related to your lesson.
For example, students can move between stations that involve:
- Watching a video
- Creating artwork
- Reading an article
- Completing puzzles
- Small group lesson with you
2. Use Task Cards
Like learning stations, task cards allow you to give students a range of content. Answering task cards can also be a small-group activity, adding variety to classes that normally focus on whole-group instruction.
To make your own, first, write questions that you’d typically find on worksheets or in textbooks onto individual notecards.
Second, print and laminate cards that each contain a single task or question. Or, you can find over 50 of my pre-made task cards in my Teachers pay Teachers online store. Click here to go directly to my task cards.
Third (and final step), set up work-stations around your classroom and pair students together to rotate through them.
3. Use the Think-Pair-Share Strategy
This strategy exposes students to three lesson-processing experiences within one activity. It’s easy to monitor and support students as they complete each step.
As the strategy’s name implies, start by asking students to independently think about a given topic or answer a specific question. Next, pair students together to discuss their results and findings. (I like to have students "turn and talk" to their neighbor. If you have an odd number of students, you can also do a triad.)
Finally, have each pair share their ideas with the rest of the class.
Will you try any of these 3 tried and true strategies? Do you already differentiate, and have an amazing method?
Share your favorite way below. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a great week!
No comments:
Post a Comment