Smart Differentiation Support and Challenge for All @Sue_Cowley www.suecowley.co.uk

How does it Feel to Struggle? . . .

Paperclips

What ‘Differences’ Are There? Attention spans Levels of interest in the subject Prior experience of the subject Levels of motivation Preferred ways of learning Speeds of working/writing Age within the year group Maturity in comparison to peers Self confidence/self esteem Ability to self regulate Knowledge about the world Life experiences Language/vocabulary skills Communication skills Physical, psychological needs Social/cultural backgrounds Number of settings attended Faith backgrounds Time spent in education/school Learners with SEND or EAL

Five Tips for Getting to Know Your Learners Just ask …! Observations – just watch! Portfolios as a benchmark Names, names, names Interests as a starting point

One Task : Many Levels

Five Tips for Learners with EAL Avoid idioms Preteach content Use self and parallel talk Offer chances to use the home language Talk about language as well as about curriculum

Five Tips for Learners with SEND Knowledge of SEND is key Use visual aids Think about seating positions Abstract concept – concrete activity Think laterally about ways to record ideas

Five Tips for All Learners What do they know already? ‘Top and tail’ your planning Consider learner roles Use choices to stretch/challenge Take care with scaffolds – they can encourage over reliance

The Myth of Average “You’ve literally designed it for nobody The Myth of Average “You’ve literally designed it for nobody.” Todd Rose – TedX Sonoma County

Five Questions to Take Away Which differentiation strategies do you use that you can’t put on a lesson plan? How well do you really know your learners? What areas of knowledge do you need to develop in SEND? How much ownership do your students have of their learning? How do you motivate children to be independent learners?