Differentiated Instruction: A Child Centered Classroom

“A differentiated classroom is a
place where the teacher proactively
plans and carries out varied
approaches to content, process, and
product in anticipation of and
response to student differences in
readiness, interest, and learning
needs.” - Carol Ann Tomlinson

The Magical Minds are different. Each one is beautifully unique. They have different interests, different skill levels, different learning styles, different needs.

How do I know this? I talk with the kids, alot. There are small chats scattered across the day. There are reading, writing and math conferences. Sometimes we have special tea dates, which are one-on-one meetings (with tea) designed to assess and address the needs of individual kids. I take notes. I take lots of notes.

Unit Expectations and Anecdotal Notes

When I plan, and when I instruct, I think about these differences.  I think about what each of my kids needs to grow and feel successful.  As Angela Maiers put it, I think “how can I advance THIS learner?”

I begin with choice.  The Magical Minds choose their books, their writing projects, research topics, as well as their means of presentation.  The result = kids who are engaged and interested in the work they do.  It belongs to them.  It stems from them.  Part of my job is to help the third graders make good choices.  I provide the reflection time, the self-assessment tools and the conversations they need to understand their own interests, learning styles and needs.

Cultivating Self-Awareness

I teach independence. I carefully build (and adjust) the structure, routines and expectations that empower these third graders to work with focus, dedication and confidence.  Eventually they don’t need me (well, at least not all the time), and I am free to roam the classroom with my camera and my notes.

Independent Learners

While the majority of the class is solving a math problem, writing stories or researching an inquiry question, I stop to meet with individuals and/or small groups.  During these conferences I provide instruction that is specifically designed for the child/group in front of me.

Conferencing

A Lesson on Quality Commenting

Goal: We will respond to blogposts with comments that are meaningful and easy to understand.

When writing comments, we remember our Magical Rules:

We will use Popplet.com to help us keep track of what we think makes a quality comment. After discussing the rules, you will have a chance to write a comment on our blog that shows you understand something about writing quality comments.

1. What do you think “We do good work” looks like on a comment?
Let’s look at some examples collected by Master Teacher Kathleen Morris to help us clarify our thinking.  How do you know a comment shows “good work?”

What about these comments?

2. What does it mean “we are friendly” when writing comments?
Let’s watch a video created by Mrs. Yollis’  third grade class from California.  They have some great tips for us.

3. Finally, how can we be safe while leaving comments?
Is there anything we can learn from ISB’s blogging guidelines?

Let’s tidy up our MindMap at Popplet.com, and start commenting!