Raising the Bar: Differentiated Learning with Stacy Bodin

Raising the Bar: Differentiated Learning

Think of this presentation as “confetti”--brush off what you don’t want, pick up what you want to keep, or just leave it on the ground...

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. (Henry Ford)---perfect quote for technology…you plan, prepare and are ready for teaching, and the next day something happens with technology that you can’t do it. Just walk away from it today and try it again tomorrow.

Goal of Differentiation:
1. To get away from lecturing 100% or the time or to alleviate children sitting idle, which many of us grew up with.
2. To meet the needs of the students which accommodate learning for all.
3. To touch on differentiated learning centers using computer centers and more.


THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Management is the biggest challenge for teachers. Try things, and rework as needed.

Have to model how to get kids to move from center to center in your room. What EXACTLY do you want them to do at each of their learning centers? You, as their teacher, must model expectations and procedures before they experience each learning opportunity.

Listening centers (slide 22)-hold kids accountable for the listening they are doing. Have them reenact their listening, or tell someone else about their center time.

What do you when they finish their center? Provide a list for kids so they have PLENTY to do! They need lists of what to do to keep them learning!

Independent centers at the technology centers
How do I do this?
1. Start slow. Be prepared with materials before class begins.
2. Have a routine that students can understand.
3. Get a cheap timer. Have students go to a center. Ring the time and have students move in groups.
4. Make sure kids are aware of tasks—printed directions in each center, clear expectations set, and of course MODEL those expectations!


Stacy Bodin, Vermillion Parish
16007LA Hwy 685
Erath, LA 70533

stacybodin@aol.com
smbodin@vrml.k12.la.us
http://www.vrml.k12.la.us
http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/smbodin