Chapter 6 - Strategies for Managing a Differentiated Classroom
17 Strategies that benefit students and teachers!
#1. Communicate
#2. Use a comfortable pace.
vary the resources - multilevel, different programs, peer tutors
vary the pace - allow some students to fly while others may need to walk
start with the subject you are most comfortable teaching
start with the group of students you are most comfortable teaching
start with a few low prep strategies and one high prep one
#3. Time allottment to ensure student success
Keep in mind - time should be just a bit shorter than their attention span
Attention spans for GT students are extended
remember - strong interest and ability in areas will determine this
#4. Anchor activities
#5. Instructions should be delivered carefully
delegate to responsible students
tape record directions so they can be replayed if necessary
strike a balance between clarity and challenge
#6. Group students smoothly
use visuals - color code, wall charts
#7. Home base to begin and fnishe
#8. Plan for students to get help when needed
"expert of the day"
"thinking on paper" in their learning logs
it's not okay to sit and wait or to disrupt a busy teacher - ever!
#9. Minimize noise
use a signal to tell them to quiet down
ear plugs, headphones
quiet area in room
assign a student to monitor noise level
#10. Turning in work
"expert of the day" to check it over and sign
designated area to turn work into
#11. students rearrange room
#12. Keep movement to a minimum
#13. expect on task behavior
daily check on time use
#14. quick finishers
expect "knock your socks off" quality
#15. stop when it's over
give them a warning
given them an alternative to get it done
#16. Give them the responsibility of their learning
#17. Think aloud about your thinking to involve the students.
Some of the best ideas are the hardest to implement!