I love to work with gifted children. (I do believe that every child is "gifted" in some way), but the ones that I am referring to here are the traditional idea of gifted where the kids tend to think and even work, somewhat "outside of the box." Sometimes this is at higher academic levels. However, often, it is a different way of thinking . . . a different way of coming at an idea or a project that doesn't follow the "norms."
In every classroom, a teacher usually has a mix of children. Most are working somewhere in the range of the average child, a few struggle with the basics and a few are out there in the advanced-to-gifted realm. The most difficult job is, of course, to find ways to reach all of them with the small amount of time allotted to us throughout the day.
As a first grade teacher, I am continuously working to find new or different ways to achieve this. I have always tried to differentiate the reading levels. That is not too difficult, except for the time factor, through reading groups. I give a regular spelling list and an alternate list each week, which is relatively easy to accomplish, also. Three mornings a week, I try to have an alternate math group for some of my higher-achieving math students.
I know I can do more . . . I know I can do better. With the new Third Grade Guarantee and it's requirements being organized in Ohio, our schools are trying to find a way to differentiate even more. I have my Master's degree in Elementary Reading, so I'm going to be right in the center of it. That requires even more small group work for the "at-risk" readers, so that will be a stronger focus.
In a nutshell, I am hoping, through this blog, to help other teachers work through some of the issues of the differentiated classroom with me. I will try to keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it relevant!
Talk to you soon!!!!!!
