Differentiation: Because One Size DOES NOT Fit All

Imagine if you and your best friend bought the same swimsuit in the same size.  Would it fit you both the same? Imagine if you and a friend of a strikingly different size bought the same swimsuit in the same size and then wore these new suits to the beach?  Not a pretty picture? You would be hesitant to buy a swimsuit that was Once Size Fits All, right?

Remember this when envisioning your classroom.  One size DOES NOT fit everyone, nor should it. What works for one student will most likely not work for another. This recognition (that different students will have differing needs) and your ability to act upon this realization, is best represented by one of the biggest buzz words in education today…DIFFERENTIATION!

Here are some basics you should consider as you begin to think about how you will differentiate in your classroom:

• Physical- How can you switch up the physical arrangement, even if just for one activity a day, so all students have an opportunity to be comfortable in the learning environment?
• Social– How can you offer differing group and individual activities so that the needs of each learner are being met at different times throughout the day?
• Curricular– What new ways can you approach the curriculum to allow students to experience it in differing ways?
• Teaching– How can you adjust your teaching so that the needs of ALL learners are being met?
• Student Engagement– How can you engage the students with the content, you, and each other in multiple and differing ways?
• Assessment- How can the students show you what they have learned in alternative ways?

Feeling overwhelmed?  We hope not.  The suggestions above offer a place to start.  Pick one or two to begin with.  We will continue to post more blogs about differentiation because, well, it can take a lot of thought and effort to get it right.  But getting it right is worth the effort. We are all happier in a swim suit that fits just right, rather than an ill-fitting suit, right? It may take a little time to find the right fit but once we have it we can relax and enjoy the sunshine.

What other examples of differentiation have you found to work well?

To see 10 examples of differentiated learning in a classroom, you can download our free Differentiation Quick Guide here.

Happy Differentiating,