Differentiated Instruction

     As I walked into the teacher's lounge today, I discovered a clipboard with a note from my principal scheduling (the dreaded!) classroom observations. Fortunately for me, I really don't dread these. I like to think of observations as a way to see my classroom from the outside. It is always wonderful to hear what someone else sees or thinks about what I'm doing, especially when it comes from a place of positive reinforcement as is always the case at my school. This year our observation lessons should have a focus on differentiated instruction. My school along with others in our district have been receiving training from ASCD for over 3 years in DI strategies. We have been working hard to implement these strategies and our recent attendance at the ASCD conference only helped to give us more understanding and ideas for our students. DI is the wave of the future for education because it focuses on teaching to each child's needs. A quote that hangs in our copy rooms says, "Differentiated Instruction is responsive teaching rather than one-size-fits-all teaching."I chose to have my observation done on Language Arts Centers which I believe are my most DI part of the day. Students have a checklist for the week of activities that they can do which are often leveled for ability. The centers are varied for learning styles and there is something that works for everyone. My students roam about the classroom independently choosing where they want to work while I take small reading groups.  It amazes me the ease with which they are able to do this. A lot of time at the start of the year was put into organizing and readying the students for this kind of independence in first grade but it sure is worth it!

My coworker who teaches fifth grade has become a leader at our school in DI strategies. One big project she implemented was a "mall project" in which students created stores and essentially built a mall in their classroom. The proceeds from the project helped to fund a smartboard for her classroom. As a result of this, ASCD elected to come and record her class and interview members of our faculty to spotlight DI in action. (Shameless plug for my school but it's worth a look! )

Like everything in learning, implementing DI strategies takes time and our school has really focused on taking it slow and making it happen in areas that you are already comfortable teaching. Seeing my students take control of the their learning, stay on task and still call Centers one of their favorite parts of the day is success in my book.