As I began reading this weeks assignments, I seemed to have forgotten all the stress that arose from last Weeks reading, of the challenges I would face at trying to differentiate my classroom to meet the individual needs that would promote success in my students. As I started reading the section about the two students, Dushawn and Biancas specific, individual needs. This type of circumstance seemed like a huge trial to connect with.
The next section, I really enjoyed, spoke about class snapshots as opposed to individual portraits. I can see how it could be very easy and pleasing to look at your class, doing well, and assume your plans must be working. This is a class snapshot, when you really aren't taking into account your students individually. This makes it important to connect with your students, get to know their interests and learning profiles. This will make it easier and you'll be more successful at monitoring and assessing each student on their own level.
I enjoyed the text that read, "...at some points, virtually every learner is a Dushawn, needing to be seen, understood and responded to as an individual." This made me realize that, when differentiating you classroom, there is not just a list of students with special learning needs, the list will include each one of your students. No student should be left out of your list and be excluded form your connections and careful thought. they will likely all need some sort of differentiation throughout the year.
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Great job of reflecting deeply on a couple of very important, foundational points... knowing the difference between individual "portraits" and class "snapshots"! I also like how you caught the meanings through the student examples (Dushawn & Bianca). What are you coming to know about what differentiation is, and how a teacher begins doing it? Today in class, hopefully, a lot of it will come together for you... relationships and interactions between content, process, products & environment with readiness, learning profile, interests and affect. Let me know if it makes sense or confuses. You've got the foundation!
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