This week we talked about differentiation. This means that you change your curriculum in order to accommodate to children's specific needs. A teacher may accomplish this in a large group by rotating through different teaching styles and mediums or in a more direct individual way. This is really important because some children learn in different ways. Some children are more visual learners while some are more audio or kinesthetic learners. Furthermore, some children just think differently so they may need to have a concept illustrated in a different way. For example, one some aspect of a diagram may just click for a child while asking specific questions to group mates may help another child fill gaps in knowledge about a topic. When differentiating it's essential to assess where the child is at and assess the child after you teach the concept. This ensures that progress is made. For children with special needs it's important to give small amounts of information at a time and allow for much review. Demonstrations, illustrations, and explanations help illustrate concepts. Careful sequencing helps these children build on what they know by making appropriate connections.
      For class we practiced teaching differentiation. Our group decided to teach how to whistle with your hands. I was very intimidated by teaching this skill because I didn't know how to and I didn't feel I could teach myself. We scaffolded to see how many knew how to do the skill. No one really knew. We had one main teacher and a few other group mates who knew some aspects of the skill and went around teaching it. Those that learned quickly practiced and helped others. In this class I felt like the students knew more than me about the subject which doesn't really happen to me (but will definitely happen more and more). This reminded me the importance of preparing and being humble. Some people can really proud and upset when they find out their students (or coworkers or those 'beneath them' in ranking) know more. If we are really seeking for truth then we should be willing to learn from others. It was interesting how much more effective the instruction got as everyone taught each other. I have noticed that children learn in a special way when taught by peers, a way that teachers can't replicate. I was finally able to learn to do the whistle and then teach others.
      I liked the structure of the group that taught us. They assessed our knowledge about conducting and put us into either beginner or an advanced/intermediate group. The way they taught with the visuals on the whiteboard was really effective. I want to make sure my teaching is as simple, intentional, and organized as theirs was.