Differentiation Strategy Explained: Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs This PowerPoint is a step-by-step outline of how to create and use Cubing and Bloom Verbs. The slides are self-explanatory and will guide participants through the process. You will find links to the handouts on the Cubing/Bloom Verbs page. You will want to copy for each participant: 1. this presentation as a handout. To do this click “File”, click “print” and in the print box where it says “print what” click “handout”. Click on the number of slides per page (3 slides per page gives plenty of room for participant notes) and click “OK”. 2. two copies of the Cube Net sheet provided. 3. the Bloom Verb Handout 4. the Bloom Verb Planner *Notes pages of this presentation can also be printed for facilitators, with the slide and the notes underneath. Follow the instructions in number 1 above, but instead of handout, click “notes pages” and click “OK.”

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/ Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Cubing is a differentiation tool based on readiness. Cubing maintains the same goals of thinking processes and content interaction but asks students to enter the task at a complexity level that is a best fit. Cubes are traditionally used with content that is not brand new to students so they will need some prior knowledge to help them complete the tasks. What is the strategy of Cubing/Bloom Verbs?

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/ Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Students will be grouped based on what you know about their strengths and weaknesses for a particular content or skill focus. Students do not have to be physically sitting next to one another in this group as the cubes will serve as their assignment guide and where they sit is irrelevant.

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/ Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Try the activity outlined on the next few slides. When you are comfortable creating and using Cubes you can include more readiness levels. If you have determined three readiness groups for this particular content you will develop three cubes of activities – each copied on a different color so you can distribute to specific students wherever they sit in your room and immediately observe group assignment. For each color cube, you will have six learning experiences that ask students to think and produce an outcome that demonstrates learning specific to their level.

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/ Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs For example students may be working with the concept of systems with the thinking task of comparing systems. The not-yet-ready group might need to use a graphic organizer to help support their thinking process. The ready-to-go-further students may be asked to project their thinking to a futuristic idea rather than a concrete comparison. All students are thinking in the same manner about the content but the tasks are altered to meet their needs.

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/ Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs KEY POINT: Think about making these changes qualitatively instead of quantitatively. This means not changing the number of responses but rather the level of difficulty in the task that meets their needs.

Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Try it! Activity: Using a Cube Net sheet, the Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Handout, the Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Planner and your selected content area, you will develop a cube to meet the needs of one learning group within your classroom. You will then have the skills to create more cubes for other groups, which can be identified by color and used simultaneously. At this time distribute the following handouts to participants: Two copies of the Cube Net Sheet (one for practice, one to keep blank for copying later) The Bloom Verbs Handout The Bloom Verbs Planner for brainstorming ideas for each Bloom Verb.

Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Try it! Consider the needs of the selected learning group. Using Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs, Planner and the outcome goals for this learning experience choose six verbs that tell students the thinking actions they are to use. (Ohio Academic Content Standards use these verbs.) 2. Create tasks that ask students to use each of the thinking skills. Each side of the cube contains one of the six task descriptions. These straightforward directions should contain a taxonomy verb, content and outcome goal for the tasks. Tasks will differ in complexity and abstractness based on student readiness. The Ohio Academic Content Standards use Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs to develop higher order thinking skills. Use the Content Standards and Instructional Management System website to locate and create activities for Cubing.

Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Try it! 3. Place one task on each side of the cube net sheet, copy the completed cube on color paper or cardstock for each student at that level to use. 4. Cut out and make each cube. 5. Students may complete any or all of the activities in any format you determine. Provide any materials students need to complete these tasks - graphics, computer, paper, or drawing supplies as needed.

Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Try it! Use the cubes with students and reflect on the process. After using these with students, think about the following: In what ways does this strategy support my students? What would I do differently next time? What was the student reaction to this type of learning? How do I feel about this process? What went well? What do I want to change?

Differentiation Strategy: Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Reminder KEY POINT: Think about making these changes qualitatively instead of quantitatively. This means not changing the number of responses but rather the level of difficulty in the task that meets their needs.

Cubing/Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs Discussion What areas in your teaching can benefit from the use of Cubing? How can using Cubing assist you in reaching the needs of all learners in your classroom? Discuss how you might use information about student readiness, interests and learning preferences to create Cubing activities. Discuss specific ways you might use Cubing in your classroom. Use these questions to elicit an in-depth discussion about cubing. The way teachers answer these questions can be pivotal to whether they will actually put this strategy into place in their own situation. The must see *purpose* , *relevance* and *relative simplicity* to using the strategy. As a facilitator be sure to focus on these aspects. Use the Concept Map to bring in other aspects of differentiation that make this strategy a good one for all learners.

Cubing Consider inviting your coordinator of gifted services, principal, curriculum coordinator or other administrator to observe your students using Cubing. Your observer can use the Observation Form found on the User Guide page of the Teacher Module. The use of Cubing with Bloom’s Verbs is a simple and interesting strategy for teachers. Encourage participants to try Cubing on their own and to share their thoughts with at the next workshop, or privately with you or another colleague.

Further information about Cubing available through: Tomlinson, C. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed ability classrooms. ASCD: Alexandria, VA. http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/files/nagc_cubing__think_dots.pdf