Differentiated Literacy and Language Arts Strategies for the Elementary Classroom

by Shellie Hipsky

Although it can seem a daunting task to individualize learning for all students, this book provides specific “how-to” techniques to make it happen, equipping you with the tools you need to differentiate instruction for all general education, gifted and talented, challenged, or English Language Learners (ELL). Addressing the reader with an engaging personalized tone, expert Dr. Shellie Hipsky demystifies the process of differentiated instruction as you tour elementary school classrooms with diverse populations and observe research-based strategies that transform theory into practical differentiated instructional techniques for literacy and language arts skills. You will gain valuable insights from seasoned elementary teachers through real life concrete examples, find advice for implementing strategies in literacy-based classrooms, learn how to create an effective learning environment, and utilize appropriate instructional techniques based on students’ abilities, learning profiles, and interests. Additionally, you will explore strategies to differentiate in the reading areas of emerging literacy skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency as well as writing, speaking, listening, and content area reading. Every chapter in the book includes specific illuminating classroom examples, questions for reflecting on the reading, active engagement ideas for further exploration of the topic, and conclusions. Strategies to simplify documentation, including the use of the Literacy and Language Arts Learning Skills Check Sheet, Differentiated Choice Chart, and a Portfolio Record Sheet, provide ways to organize important student information. A unique journal kept by an elementary teacher, whose classroom is visited in the text, rounds out the book as it demonstrates a year’s worth of successful implementation of differentiation assessment and instruction. Differentiated Literacy and Language Arts Strategies for the Elementary Classroom focuses on the needs of pre-service teachers and yet it has ample strategies to positively impact the classrooms of current teachers.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Dr. Shellie Hipsky is the CEO of Inspiring Lives International, a motivational media company, and president of the non-profit 501 (c)(3) the Global Sisterhood, a charity that guides and supports women and girls toward their dreams and goals. The American Chronicle called her, “A top entrepreneur in the U.S.” and Huffington Post categorizes her as a “Fierce Woman.” Dr. Shellie has earned the titles “Entrepreneur of the Year in Inspiration and Empowerment,” “Woman of Achievement Award,” “Best Woman in Business,” and “VIP Woman of the Year.” Three of her 13 published books, Inspiration, Empowerment, and Balance (the Common Threads trilogy), earned international best-seller status. The former tenured professor hosted Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie on NBC and Empowering Women radio, keynoted internationally from Hollywood to The University of Oxford in England, and now teaches her signature EmpowerU Master Class making the world her classroom. This powerful entrepreneur and influencer is the Founder and Editor-in-chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine: The Magazine for Empowering Women which is available on the app, digital subscription, or at Barnes and Nobles nationwide with over 5 million impressions. Dr. Shellie has been featured on over 20 magazine covers and on all the major TV networks and she is delighted to be bringing the world The Empowered Entrepreneur’s Startup Solution through Morgan James Publishing.