The Importance of Differentiating Instruction for All Learners, Including Gifted and Talented Students Click Here for A FREE Copy of the Five Resources DocumentUsing tools like Khanmingo or KidsThinkWide Adventure, teachers can create personalized learning experiences that cater to the interests and abilities of gifted students. These resources foster creativity and higher-level thinking, encouraging students to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about. In conclusion, differentiating instruction is vital not only for struggling learners but also for gifted and talented students. By embracing varied teaching strategies, educators can support all students in reaching their academic goals, ensuring that every learner is inspired to explore their unique potential. In this way, we prepare all students for a successful future, equipped with the critical thinking skills and creativity they need to thrive.
Here are five AI prompts tailored to creating lessons, projects, and extension activities specifically for gifted and talented students. Each prompt encourages the AI to generate content that challenges these students' critical thinking, creativity, and higher-order skills:
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Enhancing student growth and achievement in the classroom requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the diverse needs of students and fosters a culture of learning and growth. By implementing the strategies outlined in this blog post, educators can create an enriching and supportive environment that nurtures student success and cultivates a passion for lifelong learning. Through intentional and strategic approaches, educators can make a meaningful impact on student growth and achievement, empowering students to reach their full potential.
Today, we are going to look at the MAP Data assessment and how to set up data meeting before or after the MAP assessment. WAIT, just because the test is give three times it a year, it does not mean you can only have three data meeting about MAP data. If fact, I would include the RIT goal on a regular basis when conducting data meetings. Print a Goal Setting Sheet For Each Student
Review the Student Profile Report
Student Achievement Norms
Write The RIT Score and Goal Down
Ultimately, student data meetings have the power to transform the educational experience for students.
When I travel for work, I enjoy listening to books on Audible. I've learned how to become a better leader, listen intently, practice reflective learning, and stop giving so many *****. I also like listening to fiction books. So, I usually listen to nonfiction or self-help books, and the next book is normally a fiction book by Freida McFadden. We will save an overview of her excellent books for the next blog post. I took a moment to list out some of my favorite quotes from my summer work travels. The inspiration I gain from quotes helps me prepare for workshops and coaching sessions. Note: Success is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth, learning, and resilience. Here are some profound insights from thought leaders that can inspire and guide you on your path to personal and professional development. Grit and Meaning in StruggleAdam Grant highlights the importance of grit, emphasizing that it’s not just about hard work but finding meaning in your struggle. This perspective transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. Constructive FeedbackGrant also reminds us that feedback should be seen as coaching rather than criticism. This mindset shift can foster a more positive and productive approach to receiving and giving feedback. The Power of Small HabitsJames Clear sheds light on the power of small habits. These seemingly minor actions can compound over time, leading to remarkable results. Consistency and persistence are key to leveraging the compound effect of habits. Taking ActionClear also emphasizes the importance of taking action. Perfection is not a prerequisite for starting; what matters is getting started and making progress, however small it may be. Reflective Decision MakingAdmiral William H. McRaven's advice to "be brave, take the hill, but first answer the question what is my hill?" encourages us to be deliberate and reflective in our pursuits. Identifying your true goals and purpose is crucial before embarking on the journey towards them. In conclusion, success and growth are about persistence, reflection, and a willingness to embrace challenges. By adopting these insights from Adam Grant, James Clear, and Admiral McRaven, we can navigate our personal and professional journeys with greater resilience and purpose.
During the summer, we organized several educational workshops and presented at conferences nationwide on various educational subjects. Our most popular workshops included "Did AI Write That?”, "Data-Driven Small Groups Made Easy," "Elementary Centers with a Blended Twist," and "How to Increase Student Engagement.” The engagement level during all our workshops and presentations was outstanding. This can be attributed to our approach of delivering content in bite-sized chunks, allowing teachers to share, reflect, and implement the strategies, and providing hands-on learning opportunities for the participants. While reflecting on the successful workshops and presentations, I wanted to share some of my favorite engagement activities that you can try in your classroom, at a staff meeting, or in your next workshop. All the resources and ideas can be found in the blog post, along with videos showing how we implemented the activities. We are currently booking workshops for the 2024/25 school year, and summer workshops for 2025. Book today and receive a discount along with a copy of the Field Guide. |
As educators, we know that setting up differentiated instruction is one of the best ways to meet all learners' needs within a single classroom. However, sometimes differentiated instruction can seem overwhelming when there is already so much to prepare for a single lesson. During the workshop "Data-Driven Small Groups Made Easy," we showcase how changing one word can change the outcome of a small group lesson. The activity showcases a five-step process that helps to quickly create Differentiated small group lessons, and it all starts with changing one word: the verb. | Click Here for FREE Copy of the Bloom Verbs |
Five Easy to Follow Steps for Differentiated Small Groups
Step One: Deploy a formative assessment after teaching a concept or as an assessment.
Step Two: Place the students into groups based on the data
Step Three: Write out the learning objective and student outcome.
Step Four: Change the Verb using Bloom’s Taxonomy Guide
Step Five: Rewrite the lesson overview with a new verb from the Blooms Guide
Helpful Hint: Use Eduaide.ai for lesson ideas that align with Bloom’s Taxonomy outline.
For a copy of our Bloom's Taxonomy Verbs, click here.
Step Two: Place the students into groups based on the data
Step Three: Write out the learning objective and student outcome.
Step Four: Change the Verb using Bloom’s Taxonomy Guide
Step Five: Rewrite the lesson overview with a new verb from the Blooms Guide
Helpful Hint: Use Eduaide.ai for lesson ideas that align with Bloom’s Taxonomy outline.
For a copy of our Bloom's Taxonomy Verbs, click here.
Making Connections
A Fantastic IceBreaker and Student Engagement Activity
Grab a copy of the Making Connections Activity
A Fantastic IceBreaker and Student Engagement Activity
Grab a copy of the Making Connections Activity
As a professional development provider and an instructional coach, part of my job is to build professional relationships with the educators I am working with on a daily, weekly, or even a one-time learning session. One of the activities that I used over the summer was making connections. This allows time for the participants to share qualities about who they are when they are not at work. Not only was it an excellent way for me to learn more about the educators in the room, but it also allowed other educators a chance to learn more about each other and find connections among the group members. "Connections" is a daily game published by The New York Times. The game consists of four categories with sixteen words placed in a grid. The objective is to find groups of four words that are related to each other. You continue grouping the words until all sixteen words are connected to each other. |
Click here to grab your copy of the Connection Activity
In this icebreaker activity, we'll start the lesson by having the participants fill in a grid of sixteen words that match up to suggested categories.
After that, I'll give the participants some time to turn their words into a connection game using the provided website during the workshop. They will then have the opportunity to share their connections with at least one other member of the workshop.
At the end of the workshop, we will discuss how we can use this activity to engage the students in an upcoming lesson or with vocabulary words.
After that, I'll give the participants some time to turn their words into a connection game using the provided website during the workshop. They will then have the opportunity to share their connections with at least one other member of the workshop.
At the end of the workshop, we will discuss how we can use this activity to engage the students in an upcoming lesson or with vocabulary words.
Checklist Exploration Activity
From the Student Engagement and Ownership Workshop -
Checklist and Choice Boards For the Win
From the Student Engagement and Ownership Workshop -
Checklist and Choice Boards For the Win
I love a good checklist. Every day before I head home from work, I make a checklist of things that I need to complete or work on for the next day. I design my checklist into four categories: High-Priority Work Items, Contacts, Ongoing Projects, and Social Media posts.
By using a checklist in the classroom during small group instruction days, students can become more independent, engaged, and able to work through the learning activities at their own pace. As part of the Checklist and Choice Boards for The Win Workshop, participants engage in an activity where they can explore various checklists.
The checklists all look different. They showcase a variety of activities, and the examples are from Pre-Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. This activity aims to showcase that there is not just one type of checklist, but they all have similar elements.
By using a checklist in the classroom during small group instruction days, students can become more independent, engaged, and able to work through the learning activities at their own pace. As part of the Checklist and Choice Boards for The Win Workshop, participants engage in an activity where they can explore various checklists.
The checklists all look different. They showcase a variety of activities, and the examples are from Pre-Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. This activity aims to showcase that there is not just one type of checklist, but they all have similar elements.
Click here to grab a copy of this activity for you next workshop.
"Data is not just another thing to add to your plate but rather the first thing that should go on your plate." I came across this quote over the summer on social media, talking about data points in the classroom. Now, I share it at the start of every workshop. Data often feels like a lot of work, but if we change our mindsets and consider the impact that data has on the classroom structure and the individual students, then maybe we should explore data as the first thing at the beginning of each lesson.During the Impact on Achievement workshop, I shared an easy way to keep track of observation, formative, summative, and even MAP data. This strategy is not new but rather a tried-and-true method that helps to form differentiated small groups in minutes. The sample teacher data tracker showcased here can be replaced with the student roster. You don’t need to get fancy; start keeping track of ongoing data on a daily basis.
Padlet.com
The most used website from all of my workshops and conference sessions.
The most used website from all of my workshops and conference sessions.
Over the years, I have learned to keep things simple. The more complex a topic, website, or activity, the more likely the participants will get frustrated and give up. Therefore, I always use padlet.com as my backchannel - a place to post resources, facilitate collaboration activities, and more. Now, Padlet has AI built into the platform and a new Sandbox, which seems to make planning engaging activities a little bit easier for both the classroom and professional development workshops.
My top ten reasons why Padlet is always a part of my workshops.
10. Allows everyone to have a voice throughout the workshop
9. Promotes a sense of community
8. Still a “freemium” website - three boards for free
7. Embed the Padlet into a Website or LMS
6. Easy to create a post, video, photo, drawing, and so much more
5. Digital “Parking Lot” for Questions or comments
4. Post resources and links in the moment
3. Great way to authenticate the learning
2. A replacement to Flip.com
1. No usernames or passwords required for posting
My top ten reasons why Padlet is always a part of my workshops.
10. Allows everyone to have a voice throughout the workshop
9. Promotes a sense of community
8. Still a “freemium” website - three boards for free
7. Embed the Padlet into a Website or LMS
6. Easy to create a post, video, photo, drawing, and so much more
5. Digital “Parking Lot” for Questions or comments
4. Post resources and links in the moment
3. Great way to authenticate the learning
2. A replacement to Flip.com
1. No usernames or passwords required for posting
Book a Workshop or Coaching Session with Marcia Kish
We are currently scheduling both coaching and workshops for the 2024/25 school year. Additionally, we are beginning to schedule workshops for the Summer of 2025. If you would like Marcia Kish to present at your next workshop or conference, please feel free to send a direct email to Marcia, or click on the links below for the workshop that aligns best with your school’s vision.
Discount and A Free Copy of The Field Guide
To promote the start of new school year, we are offering discounts for both the coaching and workshop sessions. Plus, you will also receive a copy of the "Field Guide" *
Discount and A Free Copy of The Field Guide
To promote the start of new school year, we are offering discounts for both the coaching and workshop sessions. Plus, you will also receive a copy of the "Field Guide" *
Explore how to use PADLET as a Formative Assessment and Backchannel Tool
Explore how to design and build Data Binders
Explore how to set up Data Meetings
Using Data to Drive Small Group Instruction
As educators, we are always looking for ways to better meet the needs of each student in our classrooms. One powerful tool that has the potential to revolutionize differentiated instruction is artificial intelligence (AI). With its ability to analyze data, personalize learning experiences, and provide real-time feedback, AI can be a game changer for educators. Here are five ways to use AI to help with differentiated instruction in the classroom:
Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze each student's learning style, pace, and strengths to create personalized learning paths. With AI-powered adaptive learning platforms, students can receive individualized assignments and resources that cater to their specific needs, ensuring that they are appropriately challenged and supported.
Websites to Explore for Personalized Learning Paths
Websites to Explore for Personalized Learning Paths
Website Name |
Description |
Helpful Hints |
Price |
AI tutor for the students that can help with homework or help with understanding the standards. |
Allows the students to work at their own pace. Test prep helper |
FREE |
|
Reduce grading and provide personalized learning paths for the students based on the data. |
Engages the students with the chatbots and instant feedback |
This is a paid resource |
|
Fun way to learn a new language. |
Provides bite size lessons for the students |
FREE |
|
Utilizes assessments like MAP to generate learning paths for the students |
Raise Achievement with the use of Exact Path |
This is a paid resource |
Intelligent Tutoring Systems: AI-powered intelligent tutoring systems can provide personalized support to students by offering real-time feedback, hints, and explanations based on their responses. These systems can adapt to each student's progress and understanding, providing targeted assistance where needed.
Website Name |
Description |
Helpful Hints |
Price |
An AI tutor for all subjects their motto is "Get Unstuck. Learn Better" |
Powered by Google AI and works on mobile devices |
FREE APP |
|
A personalized tutor that uses bots to help guide the students to the correct answer |
Now has teaching tools and resources for the teachers to use to help personalize education for all students |
FREE |
|
Learn Anything! Generate your own path for learning any topic. |
A resource to use for the early finishers or students that have a passion for learning new things. |
Freemium |
|
Homework helper for writing papers, solving problems, and answering questions |
An AI generator detector is built into the program |
Freemium |
Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze vast amounts of student data to identify patterns and trends that can inform instructional decisions. Educators can use AI-generated insights to better understand each student's progress, identify areas for intervention, and adjust their teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Website Name |
Description |
Helpful Hint |
Price |
Speed up grading and create small groups based on assessments with the assistance of AI. |
Provide instant feedback and use the quality data to help drive the small group instruction. |
Paid Program |
|
Design lesson topics and let the Socrat Bot engage, enhance, and enlighten students through different scenarios. Use interactions and data reports to form small groups for additional support in the learning process. |
Socrat is an easy-to-set-up program that operates with a class code. Students can learn as a whole group or individually. |
Freemium |
Automated Grading and Feedback: AI-powered grading tools can efficiently assess student work, providing instant feedback to students and freeing up valuable time for educators to focus on instructional planning and individualized support.
Website Name |
Description |
Helpful Hint |
Price |
Utilize AI to assist with providing feedback, grading, and encouraging students with Class Companion. |
The data illustrates student progress and the number of attempts and helps identify class-wide and individual student struggles. |
Paid |
|
Take advantage of the AI writing process to help students develop a love, craft, and understanding for the writing process. |
Think about using grammarly as a proof reader, a plagerisim checker, idea generator, and so much more. |
Freemium |
Virtual Assistants for Teachers: AI-powered virtual assistants can help teachers manage administrative tasks, access instructional resources, and even provide personalized recommendations for instructional content and interventions based on student data.
Website Name |
Description |
Helpful Hint |
Price |
Simplify or enhance a topic for different learning levels. |
With over 175 remade prompts teachers can create unit plans, emails, get advice, and so much more. |
Paid |
|
AI driven application that helps to plan, Differentiated Instruction, and engage the learning process. |
Copy and paste standards to produce better lesson results. |
Freemium |
|
Magic School saves time by aiding in lesson planning, offering student feedback, and generating parent emails. |
With over 60+ tools, educators can customize any learning environment quickly. |
Freemium |
|
The easiest way to establish differentiated learning opportunities for students: design leveled questions and texts with a quick click, then align the activities with State Standards. |
Explore how to transform any YouTube video into an interactive lesson by incorporating various types of questions. |
Freemium |
By leveraging AI in these ways, educators can effectively tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student in a more efficient and targeted manner. While AI is not a replacement for human educators, it has the potential to enhance our ability to provide differentiated instruction and support the diverse needs of all learners in our classrooms.
"From Beach Reads to Best Practices: Integrating Summer Learning Into Your Relaxation Time”
7/9/2024
This Week's Topic: "COOL" Teaching Strategies That Work
As educators, we are constantly striving to improve our teaching strategies to create a more effective and engaging learning environment for our students. Incorporating a variety of teaching methods into our classrooms can help promote a deeper understanding and retention of the material. Here are some teaching strategies that have proven to be successful in promoting active learning and student engagement.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy that involves students working together in small groups to achieve a common goal. This approach encourages collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills among students. By working in groups, students can learn from one another and develop a sense of responsibility towards their peers. Group work can also help in promoting a sense of community and support within the classroom. Learn More: How Cooperative Learning Can Benefit Your Students This Year by: Edutopia |
Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction involves tailoring teaching methods and content to meet the individual needs of each student. By differentiating instruction, educators can accommodate various learning styles, abilities, and interests within the classroom. This approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed, regardless of their differences. Teachers can use a variety of strategies such as flexible grouping, tiered assignments, and varied assessment methods to support differentiated instruction. Learn More: The Benefits of Differentiation in the Classroom Written by: HMH |
Small Group Instruction
Small group learning allows teachers to work closely with a smaller number of students to provide targeted instruction and support. This teaching strategy enables educators to address specific learning needs and provide personalized feedback to each student. Small group learning also encourages peer collaboration, active participation, and a deeper understanding of the material. Through small group learning, students can benefit from more individualized attention and support from their teachers. Learn More: The Advantages of Small Group Instruction In The Classroom. Written by: Alludo |
Peer TeachingPeer teaching is a powerful strategy that involves students taking on the role of the teacher toexplain concepts and ideas to their peers. By teaching others, students can reinforce their own understanding of the material and develop communication and leadership skills. Peer teaching also fosters a sense of community and support within the classroom, as students learn to rely on one another for assistance and guidance. Learn More: Peer Learning Overview, Benefits, and Models |
Inquiry Based Learning
Inquiry based learning is an instructional approach that encourages students to actively explore and investigate concepts through questioning, research, and problem-solving. This teaching strategy promotes critical thinking, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the material. By engaging in inquiry-based activities, students can develop valuable research skills, analyze information, and draw their own conclusions. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning and become independent thinkers. Learn More: Six Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning in the Classroom |
Visual Learning
Visual learning involves using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, graphs, and videos to enhance the learning process. Visual representations can help students better understand complex concepts, organize information, and make connections between ideas. This teaching strategy is particularly effective for students who are visual learners and benefit from seeing information presented in a visual format. By incorporating visual learning methods into the classroom, educators can help students engage with the material in a more tangible and memorable way. Learn More about Visual Learning from Splash Learn |
Incorporating these diverse teaching strategies into our classrooms can help create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students. By promoting collaboration, personalized instruction, and hands-on learning experiences, educators can empower students to become active and enthusiastic learners. As we continue to explore and implement innovative teaching methods, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the classroom.
"From Beach Reads to Best Practices: Integrating Summer Learning Into Your Relaxation Time”
6/20/2024
This Week's Topic:
Moving Students from Compliance to Engagement to Ownership
Moving Students from Compliance to Engagement to Ownership
Shifting students from a mindset of compliance to one of engagement and, ultimately, ownership is a vital goal for educators. When students are solely compliant, they may complete tasks and follow instructions, but they lack genuine interest and investment in their learning. Engagement signifies a higher level of involvement and interest, while ownership reflects a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to their own learning journey.
I found this quick read by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) on “What is the Difference Between Engagement and Ownership.” Find the article here: bit.ly/3VwGbSO. What I enjoyed about the article is that it first defines ownership and engagement. Sometimes, I feel that, as educators, we have a false definition of both words and that sometimes, students are not even engaged; they are just being compliant. Before we go any further, let’s generate a definition for all three words: compliant, engaged, and ownership.
Compliant Student Attributes
Engaged Student Attributes
Students who are engaged with the learning exhibit the following main attributes:
|
Student Ownership Attributes
Students who take ownership in their learning exhibit the following main attributes:
|
Five Strategies To Try for Next School Year
1. Establishing a Purposeful Learning Environment: Create a classroom culture where students understand the purpose behind their learning. Providing context and relevance helps students see the value in their education, moving them from mere compliance to genuine engagement. 2. Encouraging Student Agency: Empower students to make choices about their learning. Offer opportunities for them to select topics, projects, or methods of assessment that align with their interests and strengths. This fosters a sense of ownership and investment in their education. 3. Promoting Reflection and Goal Setting: Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and set personal goals. Regular self-assessment and goal setting promote ownership and accountability, moving students away from passive compliance. |
4. Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning: Incorporate inquiry-based approaches that encourage students to ask questions, investigate, and explore topics deeply. This promotes engagement and helps students take ownership of their learning process.
5. Providing Ongoing Coaching Support: Continuous coaching support for teachers, coaches, and administrators can lead to improved student achievement and engagement. Ongoing guidance helps educators create data-driven learning environments that promote student ownership.
By implementing these strategies, educators can guide students from compliance to engagement and finally to ownership, fostering a culture of active, self-directed learners who are invested in their educational journey.
Read More:
Article from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/article/to-increase-student-engagement-focus-on-motivation/
Article from NIET: What is the difference between student engagement and ownership? https://bit.ly/3VwGbSO
Videos:
John Spencer: https://bit.ly/stvideo2022
5. Providing Ongoing Coaching Support: Continuous coaching support for teachers, coaches, and administrators can lead to improved student achievement and engagement. Ongoing guidance helps educators create data-driven learning environments that promote student ownership.
By implementing these strategies, educators can guide students from compliance to engagement and finally to ownership, fostering a culture of active, self-directed learners who are invested in their educational journey.
Read More:
Article from Edutopia: https://www.edutopia.org/article/to-increase-student-engagement-focus-on-motivation/
Article from NIET: What is the difference between student engagement and ownership? https://bit.ly/3VwGbSO
Videos:
John Spencer: https://bit.ly/stvideo2022
AuthorS
Marcia Kish - Blended and Personalized Learning coach that designed the Three Phases of Blended Learning
Jeff Kish - Coding Expert that showcases how to implement coding into the classroom.