Lesson Plan: Diversity In Writing

This writing lesson is done weekly with the students. Every week we pick a topic
for the students. We show them how to brainstorm ideas in their circle map and then
transfer that information to a tree map. From the tree map, students create sentences
using the linking verbs we provide for them. On Mondays we introduce the tree map
and on Fridays we assess the students on the sentences they have created. We look for
capitols, punctuation, and if the sentence makes sense. Each week we gradually release
responsibility to the student and demonstrate less modeling.
As the weeks go by, I feel that I have learned more about diversity and
differentiation. I noticed the same few students each week would always finish early. I
talked with my cooperating teacher and she suggested having those students go beyond
the requirements. Instead of the usual one idea, I had those high fliers choose more
than one idea from their tree map. We also encouraged them to make super
sentences where more detail was added to their sentences. I noticed that as some
students were ready to move one, there were a few that were still having trouble.
During independent work, I would make sure to bring those students together. I set
goals for each student. Some of the goals I set for the students were making sure words
were spelled correct, neater handwriting, and making sure the linking verbs made sense
with the predicate. For the one student in the classroom who works at a kindergarten
level, I worked with him individually. I encouraged him to master copying the circle map
and tree map because sentences were far too advanced for him.
We do a lot of partner sharing in our writing lessons. As the lessons went by I
realized how important it was for students to share with the right students. I used to
think a high student and a low student worked well. After observing the students I
learned that was not a good idea, one student was bored with the other. Having
students work with someone on a similar academic level made partner sharing more
effective.
Through writing I have found a way to meet all students needs. I gradually
learned how to use the assessments to differentiate my teaching. I know apply this to all
of my lessons. I am constantly looking at the assessments to see how I can better reach
my students needs.