Ways of differentiation.

There are several different ways in which differentiation is be possible within the lessons the class is working on. This is extremely important because each student that comes to school has different needs and ways of learning being even more diverse because of backgrounds, personality, interests or language. Some simple ways to easy differentiate are:

For English Language Learners:

1. Have dictionaries always available, so they are able to look for words they do not understand.
2. Allow the use of translators, at least in the beginning of the year and start using them less eventually with the improvement of vocabulary.
3. Always write the important vocabulary words in the board, for the visual and sound relation.
4. Use multiple visuals like picture cards with the new vocabulary, videos, projections, etc.
5. Allow them to work in pairs or small teams, so they are able to listen and practice their skills.

For Special Needs Students

1. Prepare a space around the classroom where they could stressed off or take a break for a couple minutes before returning to the activity.
2. Work in groups is mostly helpful and develops several different abilities.
3. Adapt the classroom to give them space to work individually/ privately if needed.
4. Include several activities dynamic activities to keep their interest and motivation sparked, including videos, games, questions, individual and team work.
5. Pre-teach the subject to them, again using the available resources sending videos, activities or worksheets for homework to get them familiarized with the subject.
   
   

For Advanced of Gifted Students

1. Have extra worksheets, or add-on activities for them to keep practicing.
2. Allow them to use games, puzzles or any other resources related to the topic.
3. Have them work on classroom tasks, where they could represent the activity.
4. Give the opportunity to help others, sometimes this action helps both students to understand the activity better.
5. Add a little bit more of difficulty or a larger product to the lesson for them.

Differentiating might seem like a complicated option, but when practicing it is possible and the results are incredibly better for your students. Giving them a voice is also giving them opportunity to  learn their way, so give it a try… you might even surprise yourself.