Differentiating Learning

As we all know, differentiating learning is a very important aspect to ensure we include when making out lesson plans. As teachers, it is important for us to remember that not all students learn the same way or at the same speed and we have to plan accordingly. I read an article written by Peg Baron on differentiated learning. Her article is about using sidewalk chalk to teach lessons. This approach is a very good technique for those students who learn best by hands on activities. I this approach would get all of the students more involved and interested in the lesson. She provided a variety of games to include: numbered ladder game, multiplication ladder, division ladder, numbers bingo, the reading trail, reading obstacle course, color me, and the alphabet board. I have always been one to learn better by doing hands on activities. My favorite game to do with students would be the reading obstacle course. The author's description of this game is to set up an obstacle course with a sentence or word chalked between each obstacle. For example: sentence, zig zag around cones, sentence, jump through the hula hoop, sentence, balance walk on a length of string, sentence, jump over the blue "river" chalked on the ground. If you want, all your obstacles can be drawn on the sidewalk instead of using real items. The students have to read a sentence and go through the obstacle. I think this activity is the most hands on and helps out a lot with their reading skills. The obstacle course is a great reinforcer for them to want to read the sentence correctly.