Differentiation. We hear it all the time, we believe in it, but sometimes we have a hard time organizing it. As a teacher, I want to do anything and everything that I can to help my students succeed. I’ve just always struggled with how to differentiate assignments without making it obvious to the rest of my class… UNTIL NOW.
Why I Started It
I started Guided Reading and Guided Math groups last year. (I know, I was behind the times). In an effort to cut down on time between rotations, I started using color coded “group” folders. (I use colors to identify my groups rather than numbers; ex. Pink group, blue group). I would “pre-stuff” the folders the day before so that I would not have to pass out papers in between rotations.
It also served a second, completely unintended purpose. If I only had 19 of my 20 assignments turned in, I could look in the folders to see where the extra assignment was and it was much easier to determine who hadn’t completed it.
How It Helps with Differentiation
Here’s the best part. When I need to differentiate work, I typically do it by group. Whether I am providing additional help or enriching assignments, everyone in that group has the same assignment. Because students ONLY see the work in their group folder, they do not notice that their work is any different than the other groups.
If I had two paper assignments that day (a journal and an excel review sheet), I would put one on each side of the folder. I always made sure that students knew which assignment to start with. They also knew that when one assignment was turned in, they needed to retrieve the second assignment. I love this method because it kept the second assignment “out of sight, out of mind” until the student was ready for it.
But Wait…
I know what you’re thinking, students will still notice. It may just be beginners luck, but I really haven’t experienced that problem. My guided reading/math groups sit at the same “table”. The entire group completes the same rotation at the same time. That means only one group (out of the four total groups) is actually at their desk completing that assignment at a time. The other groups are busy at stations or with the teacher, etc.
Where Are The Folders?
I’ve tried this a few different ways.
Method #1: In the middle of the “table”
What I love: easy access to all students
Not so much:sometimes the supply caddy can get in the way of privacy folders, etc. and it can also be fairly distracting when students are reaching over other students to get to the folder
Method #2: On an empty desk
What I love: it keeps the students’ desks clear and keeps their focus on their assignment
Not so much: you have to have an extra desk in your room (What happens when you get a new student? Eeeek)
Sneak Peak
What's that behind the folders you asked?? Interactive Journals!! I just hate, hate, hate when journals get shoved in a student's desk and all of their hard work gets crumpled and torn and messed up. Our journals stay safe and sound and pretty in our caddy.
What are some ways you distribute differentiated assignments?
