2009-2010 TSS Blog: 2009-2010 TSS Blog: Differentiation!

2009-2010 TSS Blog: 2009-2010 TSS Blog: Differentiation!
Jeani Rottle's presentation on Differentiated Instruction was very informative. I am in the process of making some choice boards for my guidance classes. I am going to use my choice boards a little different. For example, after a unit on Stranger Danger, I am going to let the students choose an activity from the choice board and that is what they will do for that guidance class. The choice board of course would have activities that would relate to the Stranger Danger lessons. Hopefully, the students will enjoy the freedom of being able to choose what activity they want to do from the choice board.
Also, I really liked Jeami Rottle's classroom rules. The rules are very simple and to the point. It has been my experience that children seem to respond better when rules, lessons, and activities are not lengthy.
I have already shared with some of the teachers the Differentiated Instruction strategies and made them aware that they can use the manual at anytime to get new fresh ideas to deliver a lesson. I would like to share with the teachers the useful verbs, sample question stems, & potential activity chart with them soon. Hopefully, each teacher will be able to get a chart to help them with planning and discussions.

Response to Differentiation

Question: After attending the Differentiating Instruction session, what information will you incorporate in your planning and instruction and what information will you share with others?

My Answer: There were two resources that I loved. The first was the chart that was distributed where you can essentially map your curriculum and then list how you address each learning style. I will definately use that and share it with others. I will probably utilize the chart most when teaching Accounting and Business Management, which tend to be more lecture-oriented and less hands-on. The second item that I found most useful was the learning styles test. I already use a similar test with my students during the first week of school as a "get-to-know-you" type activity, and then I make a note the results in my gradebook. Because I teach a lot of the same students more than once, they tend to get tired of the same test. This one will give me a new one to use as a alternate.

Marcia Tate

The Marcia Tate workshop has been one of the best workshops I have been to....ever. I am constantly thinking about the things she said and the suggestions she gave for effective teaching and learning. I already implement some of her suggestions. My students write and compare and contrast. I try to keep them moving and I try to make sure the class is always changing gears and not stuck in lecture mode or worksheet mode. I give my students a chance to talk every day. I concentrate on teaching science vocabulary and I have tried Tate's vocabulary tactic of writing the first few letters of common synonyms around the word and leading the students to coming up with the word.

Music was what really interested me. I love music. I always score high in musical intelligence. I know there are plenty of kids who also love music. I don't like much of the "sex inspired" music kids listen to these days. However, I'd like to incorporate music into my classroom. I know there is plenty of music that everyone enjoys and I will look this summer for some science music that is designed to teach content. I have an iPod and I just bought some new iPod speakers. I think that is a start. I want to begin next year with music being an intrinsic part of my science classes.

MARCIA TATE - Brain Based Strategies

Dr. Tate was a phenomenal speaker! The workshop was very informative and entertaining. Even though I knew some of the material, it did not bore me or put me to sleep. I could not wait to greet my students at the door the following morning! During my many years of teaching, I often play music in the classroom. One morning my principal joined the class as we danced the morning shuffle by jazz group, "Hiroshima - Our Wish".
Some of my favorite personal notes:
- As your body gets number, your brain gets dumber. My students love moving!
- Your brain weighs three pounds and has a consistency like tofu and jello. YUCK!
- Keep the kids moving. Strong muscle memory. My students love chants and cheers!
- Sleep 7-9 hours a night. I am lucky if I get to bed before 11:00 PM, and I get up at 5:00 each morning!
- When you think positive, you attract positive. When you think negative, you attract negative. A daily reminder for my students!
I would strongly recommend a workshop with Dr. Tate. She introduced many strategies that I will continue to utilize in the classroom. At the end of the day I probably grew a few new dendrites, too!