Getting to "Got It!"

We all love that "ah ha" moment, that moment when students' eyes light up with the recognition that they've "got it!"  But that "ah ha" moment isn't the same for every kid.  As you look at these examples of how we differentiate to get all students to "got it," think about the techniques you use and if there are new strategies that might help build mastery for all kids.

Retakes: A- no need, B- student choice, C or below- must retake

Student retakes:  In this class, if you have an A, there's no need to retake the quiz.  A B is optional, and a score of C or below requires a retake.

Student Pacing:  All students must get to the publication stage in Writer's Workshop, but they work at a pace that fits their individual needs.

Self-Monitoring:  Teaching kids to monitor themselves, double-checking their work and revising helps them to master the necessary skills.

KWL Charts:  Having students identify what they know and compare that to the objectives, helps students understand what they still need to learn.

Rubrics:  Detailed rubrics help students set goals for future improvements and understand the gaps in their own learning.  Pairing providing clear examples of student work up front, students understand the learning that is expected of them.

Strategies for Success:  Helping students to identify the assessment criteria through highlighted words and underlined phrases helps them focus on what they should know and be able to do.

Data Walls:  These still make a difference as students watch their learning growth over time.

Student Pride:  Students track their personal best each year to remain focused on their own learning goals.

I've seen other great tools for helping kids to "get it."  Sometimes, it's as simple as taking a minute to require them to write in their agenda books (what might seem like a time waster, saves so much time in the end!).  Getting to "got it" requires that students know what to do.  Consider the systems you have in place so that students know what is expected of them.