At the Heart of Differentiation

It seems like the only thing on my mind lately is blogging. Who knew it could be so much fun? 

I've been reading in Chapter 2 of Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom and I am continually being amazed. 

One of the greatest accomplishments we can have in the classroom (according to me) is connecting with our students. The book states that teaching asks us to do the impossible. It asks us to establish ties with each child-- not to establish ties with all the children as though they were one student because they are not. I loved this. It seems daunting as a fresh new teacher to make those connections, on top of managing the classroom and teaching all of the curriculum, but how important this task is. 

"As time goes on we learn to listen better, to look beyond the obvious, and to accept the responsibility for each individual child and the inevitable risk of failure so that we can move ahead toward greater degrees of success toward becoming more effective teachers." 

I know that I personally have that desire to know each of my students individually. I also know that it seems extremely daunting, especially when there is so much besides that required of us as teachers. However, this is no excuse. As told by Esme, "Even if I come across as naive and zealous, even if I get on everyone's nerves, I have to...try. Even if I fail, I have to try and try and try. It may be exhausting, but that is beside the point. The goal is not necessarily to succeed but to keep trying, to be the kind of person who has ideas and sees them through. We'll see. I aim too high probably. But if I don't aim, how will I hit anywhere near the target."

Doesn't that just give you the chills? I know it does to me. It is clear that connecting with each student is at the heart of differentiation. This teaching approach does not accept learners as interchangeable parts. I absolutely cannot wait to get into my own classroom and connect with those cute, little, drive me crazy, students.

Catch you later,
Laurel (like Carl)