OK, so while we haven't really tamed the differentiation beast yet, I am still thinking ahead... What suggestions do you have for other teachers who think they want to try more differentiation and don't know where to begin?
I would suggest that in order to effectively differentiate you first need to identify your essential learning targets. The bredth of these statements enable you to differentiate without making "more" or "different" work and you can often accomplish it without sending the kids out of the classroom.
Once that is done, start small. Amy and I are slowly working on incorporating things but have found that if we try to do the whole unit or year that it is overwhelming. Instead we just do a few things at a time and before long we'll have an entire year with possible differentiation activities!
I am not surprised you bring up identifying targets!! But, that really is where it needs to start. And I totally agree with the starting SMALL! I think we need to look at it as something to build on, not just check off our lists...
I would suggest that in order to effectively differentiate you first need to identify your essential learning targets. The bredth of these statements enable you to differentiate without making "more" or "different" work and you can often accomplish it without sending the kids out of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteOnce that is done, start small. Amy and I are slowly working on incorporating things but have found that if we try to do the whole unit or year that it is overwhelming. Instead we just do a few things at a time and before long we'll have an entire year with possible differentiation activities!
I am not surprised you bring up identifying targets!! But, that really is where it needs to start. And I totally agree with the starting SMALL! I think we need to look at it as something to build on, not just check off our lists...
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