Planning for Differentiated Instruction

Rationale for Artifact #1:

Description: This artifact was a project I completed for my EDUC 380 class which was my pre-student teaching class. In this project I created a mock mini unit that could be implemented in a general PE classroom. This unit entails 3 separate lessons focusing on different aspects of communication. The first lesson focuses strictly only verbal communication while the second lesson focuses on non-verbal communication. The final lesson ties all these aspects together and ends the unit with a summative assessment through an exit slip. 

Connection: This artifact aligns with ITPS knowledge indicator 3B which states: "The competent teacher understands how to develop short- and long-range plans, including transition plans, consistent with curriculum goals, student diversity, and learning theory" The artifact provides a detailed look into how I plan out instruction in a short-term basis and how the lessons build on top of one another. 

Importance: This project highlights the importance of short term and long-term planning. This artifact highlights the importance of planning out purposeful instruction so each minute in the classroom is effective and meaningful for each student. Another important element in this project is the section planning of above and below level instruction. This is intentionally done ahead of time so students who fit into these areas are effectively putting these communication skills into practice. 

Rationale for Artifact #2: 

Description: This artifact is the lesson slides I used in a lower elementary level team building game. Within this slide deck are visuals that were used to demonstrate the activity on top of the directions. This was intended for certain individuals in the class that required visual representations and demonstrations when learning an activity. 

Connection: This artifact aligns with ITPS performance indicator 3Q which states: "The competent teacher develops or selects relevant instructional content, materials, resources, and strategies (e.g., project-based learning) for differentiating instruction." This artifact highlights the choice to develop visual aids for demonstration of materials.

Importance: This artifact illustrates the importances of developing visual aids on top of verbal instruction. Certain individuals in this class struggled with verbal and written instructions and required visual demonstration. For this visual I illustrated the activity through props on the slides as well as a demonstration with separate students within the classroom. This was intended to allow students other opportunities for comprehension.