Reflecting on the #gtchat I participated in this past weekend:
I am not a GT teacher, nor do I anticipate ever being a GT teacher. I am the sister in law of a GT man who has had a hand in producing a GT child that nearly lost all love of school in kindergarten due to a lack of differentiation. He is now in a better situation in first grade, and developing an enjoyment for school.
When I think of differentiation, I tend to think of making learning accessible to students of lower levels along with the rest of the class. Somehow I had gotten the idea of differentiation mixed up with some sort of remediation, perhaps? When I saw that the topic for this week's #gtchat was differentiation, I was intrigued.
Deborah Mersino, the chat facilitator, started us with a question about what our current understanding of a differentiated classroom was. My reply was "...meeting children where they are and teaching each child from where they are to where they can be." As I hit send, I hit my forehead. At times I might need to provide extra support to students who need it, and there will certainly be a "middle of the pack" that will travel along just fine with my standard curriculum, but what do I plan to do for those who aren't reaching where they can be? What will I do for the gifted children who want to be engaged and excited about learning too? Already, from the first question, I am so glad I tuned into this chat.
The next question was related to whether or not teachers successfully differentiate regularly. That led me to think about my experiences in the school where I substitute and volunteer. I see different ways that each grade level differentiates. Lower grades tend to differentiate through grouping within the classroom. Grades 4 and 5 group amongst the grade for math, and change classrooms. I made a mental note to observe more specifically how these teachers differentiate, and ask some of the teachers how they endeavor to do so.
Deborah shared some "Tomlinson basics" through the talk. I hadn't heard the name in many years (likely since college), so that led me to this article and an Amazon search for her books on Kindle. There were many more resources that were shared by the chat participants that were perfect for me to extend that one hour chat and continue to explore more:
Using Contracts to Extend Learning - from Diane over at "For the Love of Teaching"
The Differentiator - from Byrdseed Gifted
To sum up what I got from this chat session: when planning differentiation for the learners in your class, remember not only to look back to those who need help to keep up, but also to leave room for those who are ready to run on ahead.
Wow, great thoughts and I love your last line: "but also to leave room for those who are ready to run on ahead." Too many people miss out on letting kids run ahead. I'm so glad to see teachers who don't necessarily ever plan to teach g/t joining us on #gtchat. It is exciting to see that we can all work together to improve learning for our students. Love the reflection!
Posted by: Krissy (KTVee) | February 03, 2011 at 06:56 PM
What an excellent post! Thank you for detailing your poignant thoughts, so that others can learn as well.
Posted by: Deborah Mersino | February 03, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Yes, thank you for this post today! My 8-yr-old daughter is getting increasingly frustrated in her 3rd grade classroom. She says it seems like everything is review and all the homework is easy and a waste of her time. She is saying more frequently that she wants to be challenged! On behalf of my daughter, please understand how much kids and parents appreciate the extra effort to differentiate!!!! It truly has an impact on our daily lives.
Posted by: Sara Everding | February 03, 2011 at 09:25 PM
One of the best things about gtchat is how it makes us think and rethink about gifted and talented students and their education. Every week seems to include a "why didn't I think of that" moment. It's wonderful to see teachers consider the real needs of their gifted student and be willing to work with them. Thanks for participating in the chat. Hope you will return again and again!
Posted by: Lisa Conrad | February 03, 2011 at 10:34 PM
SDB you are a wonderful teacher!!! I would be so honored to have you for B even if he is one that struggles to maintain with the pack. Your communication skills and constant willingness to help are so refreshing. This coming from a very active parent who sometimes feels put off for being too involved. Love you Bonnie G
Posted by: Bonnie garcia | February 07, 2011 at 10:24 PM