Differentiation Strategies

One of the most important aspects of differentiation for elementary school students is environment. If they are uncomfortable or un-acclimated, mentally, socially, or physically; it can be disastrous. It is important for the teacher to assess more than grade level within content knowledge. A teacher has to know how students learn. What attracts them to the material and what will keep them engaged? How do you engage them for the unit or for the objective? Some other concerns may be, is the air cool enough? Is there enough heat? Is there too much noise? Are there resources that they can utilize, in order to enhance their understanding, when they are working independently? All of these thoughts are embedded in differentiation. A teacher may also want to inquire of what makes a student happy? What is their motivation when they are learning? This question can help teachers reflect on choices involving materials, instruction, testing, and homework assignments. Some times it is helpful to plainly inquire through a class survey. Kimberly R. Keith