Differentiated Instruction:
How Will I Get to Know Your Child?
What does it mean?
In an article from www.scholastic.com, differentiated instruction means, "that you observe and understand the differences and similarities among students and use this information to plan instruction," (Robb, 2016). In my words, by watching your child and understanding that he could learn differently than his buddy and then adapting myself to how he can learn and plan my instruction accordingly.
All Parents Should Know...
that differentiated instruction is ongoing. It's never one way. The school day will start out in a routine, and your children will have structure, but from the knowledge they've gained during the day I may change up the next coming days to better fit the needs of the class. "Assessment for learning provides information about what students already know and can do," (Puckett, 2013). I give formative assessments throughout the school year because I want to make sure your child isn't falling behind. This can be in the form of tests or activity logs.
What About the Classroom?
Inclusion by everyone in class is not only the law but a standard I personally follow. My classroom has a little bit for everyone. I have the computer lab, small library, art station and circle rug for class time learning. I also make sure the children who may not be able to hear or see as well are sitting in front closest to either me or the smartboard. Safety in the classroom is a huge concern for me, in addition I've also made sure that each desk also adjusts to the child's height.
Turning in Assignments
Every Friday is the day where all homework comes in for the week. Unless your child has a 504 plan or an IEP I should see the homework packet. By turning in the homework on Friday instead of each day, I am preparing you for your child's homework future. I want to make it clear and unless otherwise noted, I don't want your child to have homework over the weekend. I feel that is your time with your child and I don't want to take that away.
Failure Only Leads to Success!
Failure will happen at some point in the year, but I want to tell you right now that I don't let my kids dwell on failure. I've always been taught myself that to succeed in anything you must fail at something first to get to the point of success. "When it comes to failing, our egos are our own worst enemies. As soon as things start going wrong, our defense mechanisms kick in, tempting us to do what we can to save face," (Rapp, 2016). Never stop trying. By learning your child's interests and personality I will learn what motivates them to push them to do their best.
References:
Puckett, K. (2013). Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide. Bridegepoint Education Inc., San Diego, CA
Rapp, S. (2016). Why Success Always Starts with Failure. Retrieved from: http://99u.com/articles/7072/why-success-always-starts-with-failure
Robb, L. (2016). What is Differentiated Instruction. Retrieved from: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/what-differentiated-instruction