How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms
"Tomlinson shows how to use students’ readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles to address student diversity. In addition, the author shows teachers how to differentiate, or structure, lessons at every grade level and content area to provide “scaffolds”--as well as high-speed elevators--for the content of lessons, the processes used in learning, and the products of learning. Teachers can draw on the book’s practical examples as they begin to differentiate instruction in their own classrooms. Strategies include curriculum “compacting,” “sidebar” investigations, entry points, graphic organizers, contracts, and portfolios. As Tomlinson says, “Differentiation challenges us to draw on our best knowledge of teaching and learning. It suggests that there is room for both equity and excellence in our classrooms.”
You can purchase this book here. “The idea of differentiating instruction is an approach to teaching that advocates active planning for and attention to student differences in classrooms, in the context of high quality curriculums."
-Carol Tomlinson Ed. D. |
Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom
"Today’s teachers are responsible for a greater variety of learners with a greater diversity of needs than ever before. When you add in the ever-changing dynamics of technology and current events, the complexity of both students’ and teachers’ lives grows exponentially. Far too few teachers, however, successfully teach the whole class with the individual student in mind. In Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom, Carol Ann Tomlinson and Marcia B. Imbeau tackle the issue of how to address student differences thoughtfully and proactively. The first half of the book focuses on what it means for a teacher to effectively lead a differentiated classroom. Readers will learn how to be more confident and effective leaders for and in student-focused and responsive classrooms. The second half of the book focuses on the mechanics of managing a differentiated classroom. A teacher who has the best intentions, a dynamic curriculum, and plans for differentiation cannot—and will not—move forward unless he or she is at ease with translating those ideas into classroom practice. In other words, teachers who are uncomfortable with flexible classroom management will not differentiate instruction, even if they understand it, accept the need for it, and can plan for it. Tomlinson and Imbeau argue that the inherent interdependence of leading and managing a differentiated classroom is at the very heart of 21st-century education. This essential guide to differentiation also includes a helpful teacher’s toolkit of activities and teaching strategies that will help any teacher expand his or her capacity to make room for and work tirelessly on behalf of every student."
You can purchase this book here. |
The Task Card Handbook
Product Description
Whether you are wondering about using task cards in your classroom or have been using them for years, this free ebook is for you! This book will tell you: - Why task cards are such amazing teaching tools - The many ways they can be used - How to store prep and store them - And much, much more! In addition to tons of tips and ideas, there are links to supporting resources and freebies. Please feel free to share this free ebook with your friends and colleagues, both online and in real life. Happy Teaching, Rachel Lynette This resource can be found here. |
Electric Fence
Tie a string between two stacks of chairs to create an “electric fence wire” that comes to about the average waist height on your students. Have students gather on one side of the fence and form a human chain by holding hands. The objective of the game is to get the entire team from one side of the wire to the other without touching the wire. Rules: Students can only go over (not under) the wire and must be holding hands at all times. They will have to cooperate to help each other over one at a time without touching the wire. If you have students who are not physically able to participate, they can act as judges making sure no one drops hands or touches the wire. (Video to the right) Birthday Line-Up
This is a fun activity to get kids lined up. It may take 5–10 minutes, depending on the age of your students, so plan accordingly. The objective is to have students line up in order of their birthdays—January 1st through December 31st. To do this, they will need to know the order in which the months fall as well as their own birthday. They will also need to talk with one another in order to figure out who goes in front of whom. To make it super challenging, tell them they must do it without speaking at all, only using hand signals. Get to Know You Balloons
This is a fun twist on traditional icebreaker activities. Give each student a balloon (not blown up) and a slip of paper. Ask them to write a get-to-know-you question on their paper, such as How many brothers and sisters do you have? Do you have any pets? What’s one fun thing you did this summer? Next, have them put their question inside the balloon, blow it up, and tie the end. When everyone is ready, have them gather on the rug and on your signal, toss their balloon up in the air. Give them a couple of minutes to bat the balloons around then call stop. Have each student grab one balloon and come sit in a circle. Go around the circle and, one at a time, have students pop their balloon, read the question inside, and answer the question. More team building game ideas can be found here. |
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Exit Slips
"Exit slips are written student responses to questions teachers pose at the end of a class or lesson. These quick, informal assessments enable teachers to quickly assess students' understanding of the material". More information about exit slips can be found here. |
Learning Menus
"IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICE! Learning menus (aka choice boards) are a form of differentiated learning that gives students a menu or choice of learning activities. Learning menus and choice boards can be created in a variety of styles and mediums. They’ve been around for a long time and originated in a static, paper format. But with digital tools, we can bring the menus to life with interactivity and creation. Menus can be a simple list, a tic-tac-toe or bingo-style game, or get as creative and intricate as you like" More information about learning menus can be found here. |
Assistive Technology
"AT is any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around challenges so they can learn, communicate, and function better". - Examples include text to speech software, text prediction and even low tech devices such as pencil grips. To explore assistive technology check out this site. |
Learn more about UDL here.
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