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 .