Key Takeaways

Importance of Differentiation

• Differentiation in education helps students feel successful and supported.
• Tailoring lessons according to individual strengths makes learning fun and approachable.

Educational Environment

• The school's mission emphasizes innovative practices to help all students achieve.
• Students are encouraged to engage with the content in a manner that aligns with their abilities.

Classroom Structure

• A typical lesson begins with a whole group instruction followed by small group activities.
• Differentiation occurs through various groupings (e.g., yellow, green, blue groups) based on student progress.

Learning Stations

• Students rotate through three stations each day, focusing on different modalities of learning:
  1. Computer Station: Engages students with videos and online activities.
  2. Sort Station: Involves physical activities, like cutting and gluing words, to reinforce learning concepts.
  3. Teacher Station: Facilitates interaction between students and the teacher, fostering social learning.

Flexibility in Learning

• The same content can be explored differently for various groups, allowing for a tailored learning experience.
• Students have opportunities for choice when completing tasks, which can enhance engagement and learning.

Teacher's Role

• Teachers invest significant effort into planning and executing differentiated lessons, which can be challenging but leads to satisfying results.
• Seeing students grow and feel accomplished brings joy and fulfillment to the teaching experience.