As I continued to read though I realized that common sense does help but you also need to know your students very well and know how to help them each in their own way.
I really liked how they went and described each of the students in Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade class and the special talents they have. It wasn't just the negative things that we some teachers focus on, it was about what they love to do, what they have some trouble in, and how they like to work. It helped a lot to put differentiation in perspective for me. I will have a real class with real students that all have different talents and learning styles. I also liked how the author kept referring back to the students throughout the chapter to make it more real for us reading it.
It is so important for teachers to have a good learning environment for their students. If they don't feel comfortable in the classroom they won't take risks or try to learn. "The learning environment in her classroom may be the single most important make-or-break element in helping her students become the best they can be."
I also enjoyed Ms. Johnson's two truths about her teaching; First, she wont be able to do everything that each child needs every day of the year... teachers aren't superheros. Second, the more she woks to know her students the more likely it will be a successful year. We need to get to know our students on a personal level so we can know how to teach them and gage material toward them.
Overall, I am really enjoying reading this book. It flows very well and makes sense to me... which is weird because text books normally confuse the heck out of me. It has good metaphors that I can relate to which makes it easier for me to learn. I hope that I will be able to get to know my students and provide the best learning environment for them I possibly can. I know that differentiation will take time and practice but I hope that it will pay off and that I will be able to be the best teacher for each of my students.
1 comment:
Bethany, I loved EVERYTHING about your response. It was very reflective, and I believe it shows that you are coming to understand the concept of differentiation, with its many complexities. The quote you mentioned affects me deeply, as well, every time I read it! It's fun to share that appreciation with you! I'll bet you'll love it even more after you've "seen" the author on the videos we'll watch in class. I can't read the book without HEARING her say it in her South Carolina drawl... She's an amazing person, and differentiation is a positive, hopeful, and empowering thing for teachers!
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