Part A (everyone address this, individually; do not work on this with anyone): Read through the 12 Hallmarks (or principles) of Differentiation (again). Choose any 2 of them you wish, and for those two, do the following:

• Re-state the # of the hallmark from your "golden ticket," and the bolded words of the hallmark.


• Create (make up) and describe a brief scenario of good instruction that does NOT specifically "adhere" to this hallmark.

Then create (make up) and describe a brief scenario of differentiated instruction that DOES specifically "adhere" to this hallmark.

Hallmark #4: Flexible use of time, space, and materials. A way to not use this hallmark would be that the teacher has one way, one set of materials for everyone in the class. The teacher does not have a variety of supplies or tasks. The class is working on a spelling test and has the whole class on the exact same spelling test so she doesn't have to manage more then one list. The students that are on a higher reading and spelling level will suffer because they are not being challenged.

A way to use this hallmark would be to have a variety of spelling activities that the students can access, such as word games and puzzles, that might challenge the students that are on different levels then the other students.

Hallmark #6 Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success.
A way not to use this hallmark would be to have every activity the same for every student. Not allowing the gifted students to accelerate, just keeping them back on the same level as the other students.

An example of a positive approach would be that Johnny is very bright and at the top of the class. As a teacher, have challenging math, reading and spelling for him to push him and make him feel successful. He can also help the other students if the teacher feels comfortable with it.

Part B (Choose one):
B-1: Consider a "fox-taming teacher" and describe yourself as you would like to be such.

I totally want to be a "fox-taming teacher"! A teacher that want to create ties with students, who wants to understand them and get to know them and a bit about their backgrounds. My daughter had a fifth grade teacher that came to her ballet. I saw her in the hall and said, who are you here watching, thinking it was a relative of hers. She said, I'm here to watch your daughter. She told me she was in the ballet tonight so me and my husband came to see her. I have never forgot that, nor will I and it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. She took a personal interest in my daughter and to this day, my daughter considers her one of her favorite teachers.

I'm at a point in my life where I can be available to go to students events and make the time to get to know them. Whenever there is a personal connection in any thing in life, it is made better and that is the kind of teacher I want to be!

Blog # 3

Choose 2 (two) of the hallmarks of differentiation (from the golden ticket) to discuss on your blog. Be certain to choose ONE from hallmarks 1 - 6 and ONE from hallmarks 7 - 12. Explain what you now understand about differentiation because of these two hallmarks. Also explain how differentiation is different from just very, very good teaching where you might find elements of these hallmarks, but where there is no differentiation occurring.

5. Shared responsibility for the classroom is between teacher and students, in the goal of making it work for everyone.

I feel very strongly about this and can see where morning meetings really fit with this hallmark. When a sense of community is established, the students will feel like they have a place in the classroom and will feel like their opinions and ideas are valid and listened to. Each child is different and taking the time to get to know them during the morning meeting will help me know how to help them in their learning. I realize that it is impossible to do this for every lesson, every time, but the understanding of the individuality of each students will make me want to reach a bit and try to find a way to individualize things as I can.

If I just teach the way I think works and don't try to think outside of the box, some of the students will suffer. I need to try many different ways, instead of just sticking to just one. This way, my students will benefit and by me trying to teach them in ways they need, they will feel like they really have a good place in my classroom and they will love it!

9. Teacher's sights are high, just as students' sights are high.

I love the learn to work "smarter" as I work "harder" line. As a new teacher, I will be scrambling I'm sure to try to figure it all out. I'm glad we are learning so much about differentiated classrooms so I know (sort of) what I need to do. I need to set goals with myself and with my students. From day one, I need to love them and let them know that we are going to have fun, we are going to work hard, and we are going to learn so many new and wonderful things! I'm going to be excited and love them so that they will want to come to school everyday. They will know that they have to work hard because I am going to work hard teaching them. I want them to let me know what works and what doesn't. Woah...I'm super excited!

Blog #2: Choose to answer one of the questions below: 1, 2 or 3. Then, quote three different statements from throughout chapters 2 and 3 that appeal to you... that cause you to think deeply about yourself as a teacher. Quote them and explain what they mean to you.

3. On p. 27, Tomlinson poses the question, What if the teacher looks past me rather than into me?" Have you ever felt that way about a teacher? Tell about it. So, in review, your blog posting for Blog #2 will include your answer to ONE of the three questions above, and three quotations from the book with personal explanations/interpretations of each one.

I was always very shy as a child, but a very good student always getting my work finished first, always doing what I was supposed to do etc. Although, as I got older, I did feel this way a few different times. I didn't feel like what I had to say was validated so I then continued to not say anything so I didn't feel the rejection. I liked what it said about the teacher's demeanor, words and actions, "I respect who you are as well as who you can become. I want to know you. I believe in you..." these phrases need to be addressed to our future students.

If the child feels respected by the teacher, the student will feel more comfortable answering questions and raising their hand to make a comment. When the child feels belittled, they will withdraw and choose not to answer because they feel like their feelings and thoughts are not important.

I loved when the text said,"Can you show me how this place and its work give me dominion in my life?" Our students need to feel like what we are teaching them is important. If we have passion about the information we are teaching, the students will want to participate and pay attention.

"Connecting with each child is at the heart of differentiated teaching, because this approach to teaching does not accept learners as interchangeable parts. " Each student needs to feel unique and that they matter. We can help them feel this way by listening intently to each comment, encouraging them to use their voice and genuinely listening to what they say and making them believe that what they say matters.

Welcome to my Differentiation Blog

1. What is your favorite book for kids… something you would like to use in your future classroom? Why do you like it?

I love the book "Chrysanthemum." It 's about a girl that has this name and it discusses how her name is different. This book wold be good for one of the first days of school. My name was always different, so for the students that have a different name, it will make them feel special and welcome to the beginning of the school year.

2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!

Grey's Anatomy is one of my favorites! I have been watching it since the very beginning and have not missed an episode. I love the drama of the show, the amazing characters and the writing is amazing. I quote it a lot and write down lines they say during that show often.

General Hospital is my most guilty pleasure. I have been watching it since I can remember. My Grandma Ruth would watch it and I would go visit her every Sunday and we would catch up on all that happened that week on the soap. She has passed away, but I can't even imagine my life without it. It is always new and a great break from real life. I love and hate the characters and love to watch it at night before I go to bed.

Live with Regis and Kelly is my favorite talk show. It's fun to watch them talk in the beginning of the show. They are fun and when I have time before school, I like to listen to them and laugh with them.

3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:

I love books and bags. I have a hard time leaving the book store without a purchase. I love all kinds, children's books, classics and bestsellers. I hope to be able to read them one day, but a book purchase makes me so happy.

I also love a new bag. I dont buy many shoes, but I will buy a new bag. Sometimes in the store the bag will just call out to me. Then I go throw it over my shoulder and if it fits, it's going home with me. I love brightly colored, loud ones the best!

4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:

I still write in my "writer's notebook." I just love it, it is where I write everything that happens to me, fun or serious quotes and artifacts. I have had a crazy year and tease about writing a book about it. People see my notebook, or the "book" and know there is good stuff in it. I keep it close to me at all times, putting in it many fun and personal things.

5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:
__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships
__national security __world peace
__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation
__gender issues __ethnicity issues
__death & dying __sports
_1_book club _3_writers group
__ecology _2_tutoring

6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests: No art experience
7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests: I can play the piano with practice.
8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:I danced all growing up taking ballet, jazz, gymnastics. I was always in a dance class and was on the drill team in high school.
9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests: I took the Theater class at UVU for el ed majors and really enjoyed it.
10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you? I'm super excited to be in your class again and can't wait to graduate and become a real teacher!!! Posted by Teacherheart at 5:42 PM 0 comments