Blog #3

Part A (everyone address this, individually; do not work on this with anyone): Read through the 12 Hallmarks (or principles) of Differentiation (again). Choose any 2 of them you wish, and for those two, do the following:

#7.  "Respectful" and engaging work for all students.

• DOES NOT: Student's having to write two good things on another student's work.
• DOES: During discussion after a Math Project, we discuss what we have learned, and why we agree with it, never telling anyone else that they are wrong, but validating their information and discussing all options.

#3. Flexible Grouping

• DOES NOT: The teacher putting the same students in the same groups all through the year.
• DOES: As the year progresses, Mrs. H sees that Johnny needs a little extra help, and can't concentrate as well with Billy, so for a new group activity, Mrs. H moves Johnny to be in a group with Justin, who is always on task, and understands the activity.

Part B (Choose one):

B-3: Which "additional strategy" discussed on pages 78-87 are you most interested in learning more about? Explain.

I think I want to learn more about the "Keeper of the Book" idea. The reason I want to know more is because I might use it in my classroom, that way, if a student is absent, I don't have to remember everything I did (even though I should), and it gives the students a bit more responsibility. My questions about the book though are these:

• would the student write down examples for the homework in the book?
• how would you choose each period?
• what kind of paper format would be best?
• what if the student who is supposed to be writing in the book decides not to just to be a pain. would he get docked for it?