Differentiation That Really Works

by Cheryll M. Adams, Rebecca L. Pierce

Differentiation That Really Language Arts provides time-saving tips and strategies from real teachers who teach language arts in grades 6-12. These teachers not only developed the materials and used them in their own classes, but they also provided useful feedback and comments about the activities. The strategies included in the book are tiered lessons, cubing, graphic organizers, exit cards, learning contracts, and choice boards. Every strategy includes directions and offers opportunities for differentiation.

Grades 6-12

Genres: Teaching, Education

182 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

Reviews

[Lisa Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chock-full of successfully implemented language arts differentiation models and templates, this book makes a handy resource for language arts teachers in 5th - high school. Included are templates for cubing (creating a cube with options which are great for reviewing concepts and story elements), learning contracts, and choice boards (called tic-tac-toe in our area). Some to the examples are very specific to particular works such as The Canterbury Tales, but some of these could be easily altered to fit another work. My one gripe is that sometimes the type of assignment was unclear. For instance, there was a choice board for "snapshots." I had no idea what they are. I asked our schools curriculum coach; she had no idea. In our system we use the term differently than it seems to be used by this choice board's creator. Because there are so many terms out there which are used differently, one can never be to clear as to what you are talking about or assume all language arts educators are going to know what is meant.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Differentiation that Really Works: Language Arts by Cheryll Adam and Rebecca Rierce provides some good strategies for teaching and learning. This book would be a great tool for middle and high school language arts teachers seeking ways to meet the needs of all learners. The materials could also be adapted for use by teacher librarians and other content areas.[return][return]The book contains chapters focusing on practical strategies including exit cards, choice boards, cubing, graphic organizers, learning contracts, and tiered lessons. Each chapter provides worksheets and specific examples.[return][return]While the practical ideas are great, those interested in theory related to differentiation would benefit by started with books my Carol Ann Thomlinson.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the book is filled with practical examples of activities from Real teachers who use them. I think that, as a Guest teacher, I will be able to use some of the activities, as I go into random schools on random days. The only downfall for me is that I am Canadian... so some of the content is not ready for immediate use. However, they can easily be adapted to incorporate Canadian content. With this book in hand, I feel more confident and ready to go into those middle school classrooms!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to use, ideas that can be used right away in the classroom, great examples from real teachers.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to use when you need some tips on teaching and works great in the classroom.