Differentiation is a great way for the teacher to reach all learning styles in the classroom. The teacher is better able to meet the learning needs of individual students or a small group of students. The main goal is to always have student success and growth.
Effective principles of Differentiated Instruction and Understanding by Design.
Differentiated Instruction:
Student groups are based on knowledge
Lessons are tiered
Hands-on activities and projects
Think-Pair-Share
Flexible student grouping
Inclusion of technology into lessons
Understanding by Design (UbD)
Helps deeper student understanding
Provides "6 facets" in which students are able to express their understanding
explain, interpret, apply, shift perspective, empathize, and self assess
Targets are set for students and adjusted through student performance, curriculum, and instruction.
How do I ensure equity and fairness with your differentiation activities?
Each student is given developmentally appropriate work while also being exposed to work that is expected of a Kindergarten student.
How is grading conducted in a differentiated classroom?
GKIDS is the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills.
GKIDS will document your child's progress on the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) throughout his or her kindergarten year. For every 9 weeks grading period the parent will receive a report card that states each standard that was assessed for that 9 weeks and their child's mastery of that standard.
Kindergarten is not a numerical based grading. Rather it is based off mastery level. The mastery levels are:
Not Yet Demonstrating (ND)
Emerging (EM)
Progressing (PR)
Meets the Standard (ME)
Exceeds the Standard (EX)
For more information on GKIDS click the link below.
How do I ensure that all students are challenged and engaged in respectful tasks that support the Common Core Standards?
Each student will be taught and assessed on the Common Core Standards. With the use of differentiation each lesson will be engaging and challenging for each student based on their learning style and activity difficulty. These activities are designed with the student's ability in mind.
How do I embraced learning styles that promote meaningful learning experiences?
Through the use of differentiation in the classroom embracing all learning styles is never an issue. With flexible grouping the teacher is able to group students based on learning needs or their learning styles. For each small group the teacher can plan implement activities that better suit the students' learning styles. When a lesson or activity is planned just for them then the student develops a deeper understanding of the curriculum.
How does research supports my efforts?
Research has shown that differentiated techniques have proven to engaging, motivated student learning, and a enjoyable learning environment. Student engagement is also increased with differentiated instruction due to teachers recognizing and taking into consideration learning styles and cognitive learning abilities. Activities and assignments are modified for struggling learners and gifted learners.
A choice board is a graphic organizer that allows the student to choose how they learn the content. A choice board is composed of nine squares. Each square contains an activity . These activities help students learn or practice the content. Students are able to choose which activities they want to complete. They must choose three activities that are either vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Below is an example of a math choice board that would be used in the classroom for number sense. Within each square there are leveled activities.