HOW TO MAKE EVERY LESSON ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERY LEARNER ELIZABETH SMITH, ELF What is Differentiation?

Learning Styles  Visual  Learn through seeing  Needs visuals, graphics, pictures, readings Auditory  Learn through listening  Craves discussions, debates, Tactile/Kinesthetic  Learn through movement and touch  Needs physical and active activities

How can we identify learning styles? First, know your students! Ask them how they perceive themselves and what they prefer. Surveys, questionnaires and quizzes Signs of Visual Learners:  Drawings, avid note-takers, ask for words on board Signs of Auditory Learners:  Ask for repeated instructions, like to converse, enjoy audio clips Signs of Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners:  Drumming, swaying, like to stand up, prefer movement, performances

Skill Levels How do we differentiate in order to not only “teach to the middle”? Lower levels (literacy, speaking skills, vocabulary)  Provide “amplified,” high-interest materials with explicitly taught vocabulary and model heavily Intermediate  Pace appropriately where students are simultaneously comprehending as well as being challenged Higher Levels  Adequately pushed and stimulated so as not to lose their engagement

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