Honor Through Caring

To sum up my perspective of differentiation and my view of its place in my class is not an easy or simple statement.  My own personal experience with differentiation during my school years is a testament to its importance and assistance it provides the learner.  I have a learning disability that until one teacher in my 10th grade year noticed held me back in my education.  Once discovered and properly diagnosed my grades improved greatly and my desire to progress increased.  I moved from an average student to the top of the class through assistance and tools provided by my teachers and family (my twin brother was aslo diagnosed at the same time and he increased at the same rate as I did).  My teachers didn't lower the bar but allowed for adjustments that changed my experience.  Tomlinson states that "Learning is hard work.  People learn better when they feel valued and supported.  To value and support learners, we must know them.  We honor learners by caring for them as they are and simultaneously expecting more of them.  People learn differently...teachers must teach flexibly."  I am a living testament to these words.  I can make a difference with my students by putting in the effort to care for and expect more of every student I have the privileged to work with. 

I can make a difference each and every day through differentiation.

Creating a Useful Toolbox

I love to use tools to build different things.  I have a lot of interesting tools that are used for specific jobs.  One of my new favorite tools is a drain pipe cutter, this makes fitting old pipes with new pipes as easy as putting a Lego kit together.  My wife has made many offhanded remarks about my need for tools as she didn't understand how the correct tool makes the job go better and the finished product much nicer.  It took her using one of my specialty tools for her to realize this point.

What do tools have to do with teaching?  When we started the Education program each of us began with a new toolbox that was virtually empty.  Some of us may have had a single tool or even a few small tools in our box ready to be used in the classroom.  UVU then began to provide tools that we as teachers will need and use daily as a teacher.  One of the most important tool to date is that of understanding differentiation and how it can change a classroom.  This is a specialty tool just like my drain pipe cutter.  It allows for the proper fitting of curriculum and the students abilities with out having to scrap the entire lesson.

Just like a new tool if you do not know how to use the tool it becomes less effective and eventually discarded.  The only way to know the proper way to use the tools we have is through proper reading of the manual then using the tool in a practical application.  Differentiation is no different, you must learn how to use it properly then use it.  One of my class mates posted a differentiation map that I think is a great reminder of how to use the tool.  This is important and will change lives!

Make A Difference

I love spending time with kids and watching how easily they take the hand they were dealt and make it the best hand ever.  I have been reflecting on what makes a good teacher and with out a doubt in my mind it is one that plans each and every lesson or activity with their students in mind.  One of the students I work with has had a difficult upbringing and yet they are happy.  I think its time that we all have a little pep-talk.

We are all students, we are all Teachers, and we can make a difference.

Pave the Road

The Teaching profession is not for the faint of heart nor is it an easy job.  Many have gone before us and provided us a road map that may lead us to a goal but not every map leads us to our goal.  Every teacher has reflected upon those that made a difference in their life and we often want to emulate what we have seen or experienced.  This is a great goal but doesn't get us to our own goal of effecting the students we teach.   We must find our own path that leads to success.  I have often thought of the many different teachers that prepared me for this task and wondered what makes them great.  The only answer I can think of is they love teaching but most importantly the love the students.

Teaching is not an easy job.  We will face disappointment, heart break, and sorrow along our way but we will ultimately find satisfaction in knowing that we can and do make a difference in the lives of our students.  We are paving the way for the future CEO, fathers, mothers, presidents, inventors, and protectors of our nation and world.  We can and will make a difference whether good or bad we will make a difference.  Every student is different.  Every life is different.  We can not assume that if we plan a lesson it will be received the same by each student.  If there is one thing that we need to know its that we must be willing to adjust, adapt, and differentiate for our students based upon their needs.  If we had the time we would teach every student their own lesson but that not reasonable.  We can and should make accommodation and adjustments for the one who needs it.  That is the definition of caring.  Love your students enough to help them succeed.

Teaching is caring.
Teaching is hard work.
Teaching is love.
Teaching is long nights.
Teaching is worth every ounce of sweat and tears that come.
Teaching is a worthy and honorable calling.
Teaching is Differentiation

Pave the road for every student not just the ones that fit in a tidy mold.  It will change their life and yours at the same time.

Differentiation is High-quality Teaching

When a teacher understands and applies the skill of differentiation they embrace the idea that every student will be taught from and in the same lesson.  This does not mean that the we require every student to complete the tasks with the same level of understanding, quality, or standard but rather we asses the students according to their skills and abilities.

We must respect the students, listen to them, help them with their issues or problems, share in their lives, and empathize with and towards them.  Our students come to class believing they will learn and that we care enough about them to teach them what is vital for their success in not only the school year but their life.

Teachers that care and demonstrate their love for their students provide tools for success that foster a warm and supportive classroom enticing them into learning and wonder.  This takes time and energy and must be motivated by the desire to help each student to succeed.  Teaching and learning both have the same level of difficulty.  We are faced with the same challenges the students are.  The difference is that we are on one side of the glass window and they are on the other side.  When we open the window and share what we know both parties grow closer together a share in the success that is learning.

Not every student will allow us to reach the point of mutual growth.  Some will resist the desire to learn but that doesn't mean we give up.  It is our burden to carry.  We must continue to try!  Some of the most rewarding experiences that will be had while we teach is when we reach that one student that has been resistant in the past to others assistance.

We can reach every student its just a matter of how.  Differentiation is the way! 

The Wonder of Graphic Organizers for Differentiation

One of the most spectacular tools teachers have at their disposal is the use of graphic organizers.  Every subject that is presented has the ability to be differentiated.  If we ask our students to use a graphic organizer we have many different options when it comes to differentiation.

1) Assistance from their peers.
When appropriate teachers may ask that one student work along side another in an attempt to complete their graphic organizer.  This provides both a learning and mentoring environment benefiting both parties.

2) Assistance from the teacher.
Some activities may lend to the teacher assisting a student in completing their graphic organizer.  This may be best when a student needs the additional personal instruction to understand a concept.

3) An Answer sheet.
Though this is not the best option in all cases it may be appropriate based upon the student. 

As a teacher we know the tools each student should know we often forget about the tools that help us teach.  Differentiation tools change by the day based upon the students and their abilities.

Maximizing Each Lesson

Because Curriculum and instruction are the vehicle used to respond to the students and their needs teachers need to focus their attention ensuring each lesson is important, focused, engaging, demanding and scaffolded to the students ensuring the maximum likelihood that each learner and student will obtain the content being taught.


To show students how each lesson is important start your lessons by telling them what you what them to know, what they need to understand, and how the topic relates to their education.  Once you are sure the students have the same vision of what you want them to know you can focus your attention on the important aspects of the curriculum being taught.

Move the students attention to the essential learning goals outlined in the lesson.  By ensuring their focus is now on the learning goals you ensure that the lesson doesn't get off on a tangent but is clear and directed towards the goal.  This will motivate the students and teacher to learn the key concepts.

One of the most difficult things we do is to ensure the lesson is engaging.  If we plan accordingly we can create excitement for even the most mundane subject.  How?  Provide choices for learning that support discovery.  Find activities, songs, videos, or real world examples that provide the students a connection to the content.  Ask questions that engage the students.  Spur conversation that supports the curriculum and instruction.

It is vital that each lesson provides the students with the ability to stretch their understanding.  We must ensure that our students know they can gain the information being taught if they attempt to reach for knowledge.  You must know your students and support them in their pursuit of knowledge.

When we know and understand our students it becomes easier to require and even demand work that is suited to their own abilities and goals.  This is different for each student but can be done by using all the tools in our toolbox.  Using graphic organizers, group work, modeling, and other strategies we adjust the requirements to suit the student and class with out sacrificing the curriculum and instruction.

The Vehicle for Addressing Students Needs

"A just society is one in which men and women, rich and poor, the gifted and the handicapped have an equal opportunity to use and to increase all their abilities, each according to her or his talents"  Csikszentmihalyi, Rathunde, & Whalen, 1993

How can we as teachers help to create a just society for all those we are tasked to teach?  The answer is that we must prepare and present instruction that allows every student to learn and grow.  How can we do this.  As a teacher we need to do the following,

1) Make sure that the lessons are of value and pertain to the subject being taught
2) Capture the interest of the students in the class and encourage curiosity
3) Allow each and every student has the chance to share their thoughts on the subject with out fear of ridicule
4) Push the students, cheer for the students, coach the students, mentor the students, partner with the students in their education, and set an example for every student.

It is imperative that as a teacher we make sure that all of our curriculum and instruction meet each of the 4 criteria listed above.  This can be done by making sure each lesson is important, focused, engaging, demanding and scaffolded to the students ensuring the maximum likelihood that each learner and student will obtain the content being taught.

Uncovering Content For all

One of the greatest burdens a teacher has is the task of educating every student they have the privilege of working with.  When I say the word burden I do not intend it to take an adverse connotation, just that it is a great task we undertake.  When we look at the content and contemplate the students that we have been asked to educate we must consider their needs and abilities while preparing our lessons and material.  Does this mean we take the class and write 10-35 different lessons for the students?  Any teacher who attempts such an undertaking will not be successful in their lesson and the class will fail.  So what can we do?

The first thing that we need to focus on is the students and curriculum.  We need to determine the significant topics and contemplate what the students know, what they need to know, and how best to provide the content for the students.  When we look at a lesson keeping this in mind we are able to uncover what is essential for the students to learn.  The next thing we must determine is the best format to present the lesson.  This is where an experienced teacher pulls from their bag of tricks to engage the students and provide an appropriate level of assistance to ensure all the students are successful.  Providing the class with content that is geared to allow every one of the students in a classroom to succeed it the goal.

How do we uncover the content for ever student?  This may be daunting but becomes easier as you prepare your materials.  First think about what the students can do.  Is this an activity that every student is capable of completing?  If you have concerns then you need to appropriately determine if the activity may be adjusted for some of the students or is their an alternative for the student or students to complete that is as educational and informative but better suited for some of your students.  This doesn't mean we scrap the lesson because some of the students can not complete the task, rather its adjusting to include all based upon their ability.  A good example is if you are a P.E. teacher and are having the students time their attempts at running a mile.  You would not require a physically challenged student to run the mile but would adjust their distance, or requirements based upon their abilities.  I watched as a student who has to run with the use of leg braces got out on the track at a local Middle School and made his way around the track finishing after only one lap.  His peers were with him the entire way and cheered him in.  Did he complete the mile run? No but he did complete what was appropriate and still challenging for him.  Having assistance from the class this task was difficult but not impossible.  This was not adjusting for the class nor was the task removed and replaced for the class, rather it was adjusted for one and the same level of experience was felt by all.

Understanding Differentiation

I have been spending a lot of time thinking about what Differentiation is.  I was reading a blog called The Differentiation Destination http://www.differentiationdestination.com a collaborative blog on Differentiation.  I love the way Kristi Flutz explains to her class how differentiation doesn't mean everything is the same but that life isnt the same.  She uses a few examples that I have copied from her blog.

• If one student needs glasses, does that mean all students should wear them? Of course not. 
• If one student needs crutches, do we all have to use them? No way.
• We're all the same age, but do we all wear the same size shoe? No, because we all grow at different rates. We all learn at different rates too.

 
These examples seem to be a quick answer to a students desire to make everything equal.  Kristi had this Fair vs Equal poster up that I also love.

Differentiation in the classroom is about helping students where they are.  It is an important aspect of teaching.  Other students may find it unfair but as a teacher we can help them understand why we differentiate .

Responding to Students Needs

Teachers have a difficult task of listening and responding to students needs.  Though this sounds simple it can often be difficult.  There are many different ways that a teacher can respond to their student when they express or demonstrate a need.  Many of the students that come into the classroom are seeking help to cope with their life.  It’s our responsibility to facilitate a warm and inviting atmosphere allowing for all students to share their feelings and desires in a safe place.  When teachers show their students that they are invested in not only the students ability to learn but also their future they allow for and develop relationships that demonstrate true concern. 

We can assist our students by responding to them in one of five different ways.

1)   Invitation

·      Showing that you want to know who they are

·      Showing them they are important and unique

·      Demonstrating that you care by listening to them

·      Expressing they are needed

2)   Opportunity

·      Teach them they have important things to do each day

·      The activities are important to complete

·      The activities present new possibilities

·      You are a part of the class and are needed

3)   Investment

·      I have worked hard to make school a place for you

·      I enjoy making school special for you

·      I love helping you learn and grow

·      I will help you succeed

·      We are partners in your education

·      You will not fail with me by your side

4)   Persistence

·      You have grown and will continue to grow

·      If at first you don’t succeed try, try again

·      I will help you “try, try again”

·      No excuses, just support

·      Learning isn’t a race its an experience

5)   Reflection

·      I am listening to you systematically

·      I will use what I learn about you to help you succeed

·      I reflect on how you see things so I can make it better for you

·      Its more about you and less about me

In the end its more important that we establish a connection with the student so we can better serve them where they are, and help them to get to where they should be. 

The Driving Force for Differentiation

When thinking about differentiation in a classroom one must first think about the learners.  Each of us come to the classroom whether we are the learner or the teacher with a set of needs and desires.  In the early primary grades both the learner and teacher begin the school year with a set of concerns that must be over come.  These concerns are lessened as we move into the upper primary grades and bubble back up as the learner moves into the middle school and high school years.

These concerns are different for each child but have a common thread, "Can I learn, will I be heard, who will care for me, and what will happen if I cant do the work?"

As teachers we are left with the task to determine the needs of the students while addressing their concerns. This can be accomplished by viewing the child as an individual, affirming who they are, and connecting with the students on their level creating a safe environment that fosters learning.

The method used adjusts based upon the learner.  We must affirm and reaffirm they will be successful in school, can learn, are accepted, and will be listened to.  Helping each student to successfully contribute each day and validating their contributions aids the learner in feeling like they make a difference and are valuable to the classroom.    We can and should look for situations that empower the student in the classroom environment.  Supporting and connecting learning to life provides a sense of accomplishment and control over their life that will in turn foster a desire to return and gives them purpose in learning and participation.  We must support the students by providing challenging tasks that sustain learning.  When we plan and execute a lesson that is appropriately challenging each student will feel that the work stretches them, helps them grow, and accomplishes a purpose.

Differentiation is a continual task of adjusting and supporting the student and class each and every day.

Morning Meeting - Classroom Creed

I would like to revisit the aspects of Morning Meeting as taught by Sylvia Allen. 

Classroom Creed

This may not seem like its that important but it will fulfill many different purposes.
1) Having a Classroom Creed unites the students with a simple statement.  It may be something that the class comes up with or one you find on the internet but it must have meaning and provide the students with a uniting factor. 
2) You give the students purpose and a common goal to work towards.  Fostering an atmosphere that unites the class will lesson behavior issues. 
3) A classroom creed provides an inspirational focus to the class.  Students will gain confidence from the understanding everyone is working towards the same purpose.
4) This fosters a patriotism to the class and the students.  This builds bonds that remain for years to come.

Starting each day with Class Creed supports a unity that can often be difficult to create.

Hallmarks of Differentiated Classroom

One of the challenges of teaching is to achieve the best fit between instruction and curriculum.  When the correct balance is achieved the student progresses in their understanding of the curriculum.  There are 9 Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom that will aid the teacher in finding the correct balance.

1) A Strong link between Assessment and Instruction 
Thought this sounds logical it is one area that all teachers need pay close attention to.  I am sure that every teacher has seen lesson plans where the assessment doesn't correlate to the instruction.  Teachers need to be looking at what the students have learned and what the understand through the entire lesson.  If the lesson plans need to be adjusted based upon understanding a good teacher will prepare for and embrace the changes.  The only way you can gain the understanding is to asses the learners progress as individuals and as a group.  Accurate and applicable assessments will give you a quick glance into the learner and their understanding.

2) Absolute clarity about what the student should know, understand, and do with the information.  
Teachers need to set specific attainable goals that each student should be able to reach.  Being clear in what you intend the learner to gain form the lesson helps both the teacher and student while the lesson is being taught.

3) Teachers and Students share responsibility for attaining and making goals.
When students are empowered in the classroom and take responsibility for classroom goals they become invested in the learning and teaching process.  This builds a community attitude and allows the entire class to succeed or fail based upon the groups successes.  This helps each of the students to identify and use their strengths and weaknesses for the greater good.  Teachers must empower the students to make, adjust, keep, and grow from classroom goals.

4) Individual growth is part of classroom success.
When a learner gains knowledge, skills, or succeeds in an area they had otherwise faltered in the classroom grows alongside the learner.  Its important for these changes to be emphasized by the teacher to both the parents and where appropriate to the class.  The teacher supports and guides the progress and directs the adjustments to personal goals with the learner.  Individual learner growth is essential to classroom growth.

5) Foster an environment that supports a "way up" not a "way out"
Tasks that help learners to stretch  and supports them to learn by navigating through new unfamiliar information becomes essential to the growth of the learner.  Teachers have to begin to "teach up" rather than teaching down.  Often this takes the form of multiple activities for the same lesson allowing students to learn based upon their desire to do one of the different activites.  Students should be scaffold during this process helping them to progress up ward and limits their ability to opt out of the activities.  "It requires strategic thinking and actions."

6) Respectful and engaging work for all students.  
An experienced teacher understands that all students are on separate paths but all are working towards the same goal. The challenge for the teacher is to provide the same quality work for each path.  This requires work and preparation on the teachers part.  The students may use different materials but should have the same objective.  Students deserve the material to be presented at each level with the same respect and enthusiasm.  Teachers may find that the lesson must be adjusted but should still maintain the same level of quality.

7) Proactive thinking and planning for different pathways.
As you plan your lesson its essential that you think about the inevitable accommodations that need to be made for your students.  If you know one student will not understand or be able to participate you should plan for and execute alternatives for the student.  This is planning for what you know will affect one or more students in a different way.

8)  Flexible Grouping.
Students should be grouped based upon the lessor or activity taking skills, abilities, understanding, testing, and interest into account.  You can and should change groups to allow students to participate with and learn form different students.  This balance is needed to give students a wider range of experiences in the learning environment.  Mix it up. Create Flexible Grouping for a Colorful Classroom

9) Flexible use of time, space, and materials.
From classroom arrangements to the way students work or the format they work in, teachers need to be willing to adjust, change with, and allow for flexibility when teaching students.  Teachers need to be willing to gather a variety of materials, styles, and settings to best teach each and every student in their care.  It doesn't always have to be one way, embrace and celebrate change.


This list may seem daunting when you first look at it but the ultimate goal is to teach the student where they are and in a manner that best suits and facilitates learning.  The more you learn about differentiation the easier it becomes to incorporate the concept into the classroom.  I have seen classes where the teacher presents the lesson and one or more of the students are unable to grasp the concept.  The teacher provides one of the students the chance to explain, teach, and demonstrate the information being taught in a manner that everyone understands.  Its not that the teacher isn't prepared rather the material is presented with a different light and understanding is attained.

By living by these 9 Hallmarks we can and will make a difference for the entire classroom not just the one!

Morning Meeting Sylvia Allan

If you ever thought about using Morning Meeting its time to talk to Sylvia Allan.  You will gain a new understanding and desire to use Morning Meeting.  Listening to the experiences and advice from an experienced Morning Meeting allows for a better understanding and appreciation of the format and direction this concept can bring to your classroom.  Sylvia has changed some of the traditional model to conform to her personality.

The Sylvia Long Morning Meeting Outline

• Class Creed
• Greeting (Monday only)
• Pledge of Allegance
• Memorization
• Class Business
• Vegetables (done everyday)
• Desert (everyday)
• Medicine (this is only used for a specific unresolved management issue)
• Two Literary Terms (everyday)
• One Quote (everyday)
• News or Current Events
• Share
• Class Cheer or Joke

 I can only say that I hope to use the Morning Meeting to meet the students needs in the same manner that Sylvia described.  What a great view into the program, its benefits, and its success.

Thoughts on Classroom Meetings

When class started we were introduced to the concept of Morning Meetings.  This idea that we can foster an environment where students are able to start the day with news, activities, greetings, and sharing of experiences may initially seem like its a wast of time.  I have come up with a few reasons why I think the use of Morning Meetings may make the class more productive.

1) When students begin the day with a Greeting that helps to involve them in to the classroom environment they are more willing to share ideas and feelings through out the entire day.

2) Providing students the chance to Share their ideas or experiences on a subject helps to develop a community attitude.  This will foster a classroom of friends vs a class of students.

3) Getting the class to participate in a Group Activity continues to foster a caring friend driven attitude.

4) News and Announcements direct the classroom for the remainder of the day.  Students are aware of whats going on that day and news of upcoming events.  This takes some of the anxiety away from the day and allows them to learn and grow.

I say a successful implementation of Morning Meetings during my field experience in a kindergarten classroom.  The students knew the process, understood the class schedule each day, and learned more about the class and students in it.  When the teacher was absent the students were able to maintain the classroom environment though the day because of the meeting.  They felt more comfortable with the substitute because they already knew how to start their day.