While driving down the interstate recently, I got the inspiration to write this post. Looking out my rearview mirror, I noticed a sportscar breeze past me. The driver had to be going well over the speed limit. As the car weaved in and out of lanes, I remained in my own lane driving a speed that I could handle. Soon, the sportscar got over in the far left lane zooming past every vehicle to its right. And it stayed in that lane until it was out completely of sight. I thought about that day on the interstate and then I began to think about how certain learning paths lead students down the road to understanding. As teachers conduct their classrooms virtually, many are also creating alternative ways to address the different learning styles of their students; this is done through Differentiated Instruction.
This instructional approach is not uncommon to teaching. In fact, differentiated instruction can be defined as the act of including strategies to support the range of different academic backgrounds in classrooms (Tomlinson, 2001).
For the purpose of this post, I will highlight differentiation that supports the learning environment. During this time of virtual learning, the classroom has changed drastically. While students are learning in the comfort of their homes, daycare centers, or other safe spaces outside of school, they must log on and be "present" in their classrooms daily in order to learn the content that is being taught. To this end, the learning environment should encourage student collaboration (many teachers use breakout rooms in google meet to give students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers). As students work independently or with peers, the use of digital choice boards help teachers to differentiate. Choice Boards sound just like their names; they give students a choice to work on specific activities geared towards their interests, ability, and learning style. Simply put, choice boards allow students to work in their lane as they move down a learning path towards an academic goal.
Under the Intentional Toolkit, I share a couple of articles that explain differentiated instruction and choice boards in depth. I also share a short video clip showing you how students access choice boards during small group and independent work. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
In the weeks ahead as you notice how Summer moves out of the way and gives room to Fall; isn't it amazing how the two seasons move in their own path? Think about it, Summer doesn't have the splendor of the Fall; this includes changing of the leaves, cool evenings, and beautiful sunrises. In turn, Fall doesn't hold the simplicity of summer; which includes those long daylight hours, sunny skies, and carefree vacations...see each season has to function down its own path; each season does this by staying in its own lane! Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
This instructional approach is not uncommon to teaching. In fact, differentiated instruction can be defined as the act of including strategies to support the range of different academic backgrounds in classrooms (Tomlinson, 2001).
For the purpose of this post, I will highlight differentiation that supports the learning environment. During this time of virtual learning, the classroom has changed drastically. While students are learning in the comfort of their homes, daycare centers, or other safe spaces outside of school, they must log on and be "present" in their classrooms daily in order to learn the content that is being taught. To this end, the learning environment should encourage student collaboration (many teachers use breakout rooms in google meet to give students the opportunity to collaborate with their peers). As students work independently or with peers, the use of digital choice boards help teachers to differentiate. Choice Boards sound just like their names; they give students a choice to work on specific activities geared towards their interests, ability, and learning style. Simply put, choice boards allow students to work in their lane as they move down a learning path towards an academic goal.
Under the Intentional Toolkit, I share a couple of articles that explain differentiated instruction and choice boards in depth. I also share a short video clip showing you how students access choice boards during small group and independent work. As always, I hope you find these resources useful.
In the weeks ahead as you notice how Summer moves out of the way and gives room to Fall; isn't it amazing how the two seasons move in their own path? Think about it, Summer doesn't have the splendor of the Fall; this includes changing of the leaves, cool evenings, and beautiful sunrises. In turn, Fall doesn't hold the simplicity of summer; which includes those long daylight hours, sunny skies, and carefree vacations...see each season has to function down its own path; each season does this by staying in its own lane! Until next time, go out there and be GREAT!
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