Spelling differentiation:
We recently started our word study lessons a few times a week. We have been studying word patterns and each week students are given a spelling list of words that follow that pattern. After giving them a pretest on words with suffixes ed, es and s, I had 3 students who spelled all the words correctly.
During the week I had most of the students sort their words into groups based on the rules for adding ed, es and s. While they were working I had my students who already knew how to spell the words in a different group working on an extension. They had to use the patterns and come up with their own list of words that followed each rule. They could use dictionaries, computers etc. This was an easy way to differentiate our spelling with minimal planning for myself. This also showed me that those students can apply word patterns to other words.
Math differentiation:
During the day we have a WIN (what I need) time. These are groups that are based on ability and we specifically work with students on skills they struggle with. This week we have been working on rounding. For a few days we have been doing whole group practice and activities. Then I gave a quick quiz on www.socrative.com (which is amazing because I get the results instantly). Right away I knew I had to review rounding and estimating with adding and subtracting. I had 3 students who got all the questions correctly so I knew they understood the concept.
The next day I worked with the students who needed extra practice with rounding. The other three worked in a group to do a mystery number activity where they used what we learned with rounding but did it backwards. I gave them clues to a number and they had to use the clues to find the number:
1. The mystery number rounds to 200 when rounded to the nearest hundred. 2. The sum of the digits is 10. 3. When the number is rounded to the nearest ten, the sum of its digits is 5. What could the number be?
The students who knew how to round had to use the rules and apply them to the clues to find the mystery number. It was a great extension that was related to the same topic and was easy to plan.
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI also do something similar to your "spelling" activity. We have word sorts that we complete each week. One group of my students is on the "regular" list and the other is on the challenge list. They can work with a partner or by themselves.
For your math WIN time, do you run it like a center time, where everyone goes to a center while you pull kids?
I like your idea for your spelling activity. I focused on spelling this week too and I'm hoping what I did for my students is as effective as yours sounds. Another good strategy to use down the road to keep things fun and different in spelling!
ReplyDeleteCourtney, I loved that you used socrative to find out where your kids are at in math. I want to do that too! Do you use it on ipads or tablets? How often do you get some type of device in your classroom? Do you make a new socrative quiz before every unit or every new concept? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMike-for our WIN time we group kids based on ability and then we split the kids up among the 5 teachers so each teacher takes a level. We have WIN everyday and I'm hoping we are able to push those top kids and fill in any holes with the ones that struggle. Also, what do you guys use for your word sorts?
ReplyDeleteNikki-I LOOOOVE Socrative. I've used it about once a week. I can usually check out the Ipads or go to the lab anytime I need to. It is so easy to quickly make a quiz a head of time and then have the kids take it on their own. I had a girl gone yesterday and all I did was give her the Ipad today and she was all caught up. Also it emails me a report right away with the students' results and answers for each question.
Courtney, is there a certain age group that works best for socrative?
ReplyDeleteNope, works with any age!
ReplyDeleteI want to try www.socrative.com. It's getting my hands on 20 iPads that's tough. How long did the pre-assesment take? I love this idea!
ReplyDelete