Differentiation in Practice And Morning Meetings

I actually really enjoyed this weeks reading assignments. I found it interesting to read about morning meetings and the many benefits that come from them. I see them as being a very valuable experience to a classroom community. I also enjoyed learning about the strategies for showing the benefits of these meetings to parents. I enjoyed the idea of inviting the parents out to a morning meeting or holding one at back to school night. I would rather invite parents to sit through a Morning meeting during back to school night, because the children would be more likely to show their real self as if they were in your classroom, and not have to "act" in from of their parents or another adult.
Another idea I found interesting in the section about Responsive Classroom Approach, The "Hopes and Dreams" concept. I liked that the parents had the opportunity to participate and decide what gaols would be worked on for their student, over the course of the year. Me being a parent would love to take part in the goals my child works on at school. I would love to have any part of participation and inclusion in my child's classroom. I feel that if a teacher would go as far as to include me in my child's success, they will work even harder to help the students gain success throughout the year.

In the book, Differentiation in Practice, I did begin to get the feeling that the process of differentiation was too hard and a very arduous process to begin and follow through with. I do however believe that it can make or break your success as as a teacher and the success of your students. I know it is something that must be done. The best ways I saw, in Part 1, of tackling or helping the process would be, To pay attention to the ways to be a responsive teacher.(Who, what, where, when or how to teach) I would begin the year out by keeping a list of traits that I discover about each student including: gender, culture, personal interests, ability, experience, and intelligence preferences. I would use morning meetings and grouping methods to decide on individual needs of each student.

I really enjoyed this reading and am now more excited about this class and the many more ideas and strategies I will learn about.