Other Tips by Experts
Hand Out Dry-Erase Boards
As students raise their boards in class to offer responses to a problem or question, you get on-the-spot information about who is getting it and who is not.
Try Carousel Brainstorming
Post boards in the room and have students write ideas, details or illustrations of a specific concept. Begin by brainstorming a topic or question in small groups and then “carousel” around the room to write on the secondary charts.
Make Exit Cards
Have students write an answer to a question related to the lesson after class on cards. Cards do not need to be scored but may be sorted to determine who needs more help in which areas.
Read Aloud
Reading a book aloud may define a standard text for the class and define differentiation. It can create basic knowledge and convey to students your passion for reading. Alternatively, you can stop and model playback strategies along the way. The book read aloud is the instruction of the whole group, but not the book assigned to each student-following which children can read texts at their level of instruction.
Have a Graffiti Wall
Let children write on a poster on a wall their opinions about the books they have read. They will respect differences of opinion and realize that not everybody has a value system.
Set Up Stations
Provide a spot in the classroom where students are working on various tasks simultaneously. He invited a flexible group because not all students need to go to the same stations or spend the same time with each other. On some days, the teacher decides who goes to which stations; on others, it is the student’s choice.
Use Agendas
Make individual assignment lists for students to complete over some time. Students have the freedom to carry out tasks in the order of their choice. Throughout the agenda period, monitor progress and form small groups based on guided work.
