Examples of ways to differentiate instruction
TeachersFirst's Thinking Teachers who write our resource reviews often have suggestions that have worked in their classrooms. Open the reviews to the "more" view to see ideas for using specific resources as tools to differentiate for a variety of learners. Alternatively, use the keyword search tool at the left of this page to search for a curriculum topic and the term "differentiate." For example, search fractions differentiate (with "all the words" selected for the search).
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Wayground (formerly Quizizz) - Quizizz
Grades
K to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (216), DAT device agnostic tool (124), differentiation (77), flash cards (43), game based learning (215), gamification (75), polls and surveys (42), quiz (64), quizzes (86), spanish (107)
In the Classroom
Use Wayground (formerly Quizizz) to generate lessons and formative assessments that engage students in learning. Assign solo quizzes for students to review classroom information and easily differentiate learning by adjusting the reading level and content of the questions. Host a live quiz before starting a new unit to guide lesson planning based on students' prior knowledge. Create and share flashcards with students to use as a study tool, build flipped learning lessons using the interactive video option, or use AI features to generate questions using your documents and websites.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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CommonLit - CommonLit
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): critical thinking (140), differentiation (77), literature (218), reading comprehension (143), spanish (107), substitutes (25), Teacher Utilities (199), themes (16)
In the Classroom
CommonLit is an excellent resource for literature teachers, speech and debate teachers, and history teachers. Share the site with students on an interactive whiteboard or projector, and ask the class what themes they would like to investigate. Under each theme are two questions. Divide the class into small groups with each group investigating one of the questions for one of the themes and reading the accompanying text. Differentiate for students by having students read on the same theme, but at their reading level. Challenge individuals, pairs, or small groups to create a graphic organizer for the story they read replacing paper and pencil and using a tool like Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers, reviewed here. You could take this to another level and have two groups read different selections on the same theme, use a graphic organizer to make comparisons for how the theme was presented, and then enhance learning by challenging the groups to present their findings to the class via video. Use a simple video creator like Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. This site would also work when you have to make substitute plans unexpectedly. Just put the link in your plans and tell the sub what theme you want students to read about, or better yet, let the sub choose!Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SolveMe Puzzles - The Transition to Algebra (TTA) project
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): logic (158), problem solving (243), puzzles (148)
In the Classroom
SolveMe Puzzles are perfect for use on interactive whiteboards (or a projector) as part of your Algebra lessons. Create a link to the puzzles on classroom computers for student use as part of your differentiated learning options. Be sure to share a link on your class website for use at home. Have students create an annotated image including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here, to explain solutions to puzzles.Comments
It is good to motivate learners to study mathematics subject while playing.Elesio Catalla, , Grades: 0 - 12
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Kentucky Numeracy Project - Kentucky Center for Mathematics
Grades
K to 5tag(s): commoncore (60), number sense (66), numbers (114)
In the Classroom
Register for access to this site then bookmark for use throughout the year. Take advantage of these free resources to find lessons, assessments, and interventions for math instruction. Find resources to differentiate instruction based on student needs. Share this site with other teachers in your building.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cubing and Think Dots Strategy - Eulouise Williams
Grades
3 to 12tag(s): blooms taxonomy (7), differentiation (77), learning styles (19), professional development (271)
In the Classroom
Use ideas from this PDF to differentiate and offer a variety of learning opportunities to students. Share this site and the strategies with peers during professional development sessions. Have students create cubes or think dots of their own for use when reviewing material for tests and quizzes.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A Journey to a New Land - Simon Fraser University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Grades
1 to 12tag(s): archeology (29), native americans (116)
In the Classroom
Include this resource as you teach about Native Americans. These peoples did not divide themselves as "Canadian" or "American," so much of the information here is applicable in a U.S. classroom as well! Differentiate for high or low students easily using the different levels of the site. The primary level requires far less reading so offers a good introduction for weaker readers or ESL/ELL students. Have students write a script and create a video or simply compose a blog post about daily life as one of the people migrating into North America (but be sure to talk about the fact that they probably did not actually know how to write). Extend learning by using a visual blogging tool such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here, for students to share their learning and understanding. With Telegra.ph you just click on an icon to upload images from your computer, add YouTube or Vimeo links. This blog creator requires no registration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Story Shares - Louise Baigelman and Gary Herman
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): book lists (170), differentiation (77), digital storytelling (151), ebooks (46), multilingual (72), reading comprehension (143)
In the Classroom
Introduce this site to your reluctant or struggling readers on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Then have students explore this site independently or in small groups to find interesting reading material. Be sure to provide a link to Story Shares on your class website or blog for students to explore at home. Use this site to differentiate for students of all levels and for use with special education or ENL/ESL students. Have students write their own comprehension questions and answers based on the book to check their own comprehension and to exchange with classmates.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Edcite - 2014 Edcite Inc.
Grades
1 to 8tag(s): assessment (134), test prep (67)
In the Classroom
Use technology to motivate and engage your students. Give these quality text passages personalized to your class needs. Use as a teaching tool on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Continue to use individually or as small group instruction. Pair a weak reader with a strong reader for independent pair work. You can easily differentiate by creating tiered assignments to meet each students' needs. Share at your next staff meeting to provide collaboration between teachers. Use in a flipped classroom and have students complete the work at home. They will still receive immediate feedback! Use at parent gatherings to provide an example of the grade level expectations. Put on your classroom website as a way to practice at home. Before assigning questions to individual students you might want to check the readability of the questions or supplied readings. Use a tool such as The Readability Test Tool, reviewed here. This reviewer found the articles in some grade levels to be about two years higher in reading level than the grade listed for the question.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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National Geographic Education - National Geographic
Grades
K to 12tag(s): animals (291), climate change (100), commoncore (60), earth day (60), ecology (107), energy (138), food chains (20), map skills (63), maps (219), migration (45), multimedia (55), oceans (144), STEM (331), weather (163)
In the Classroom
Be sure to bookmark (or favorite) this site for use throughout the year to find real-world resources for classroom use. Don't forget to look for materials on National Geographic for use with Earth Day and Arbor Day activities! Differentiate easily using the multiple levels of materials found within National Geographic. Some text portions are challenging, so you should pair weaker readers with a partner as they research on this site. Have students create a simple infographic sharing their findings using Venngage, reviewed here. Have students create a word cloud of the important terms they learn from this site using a tool such as WordItOut, reviewed here. If you use Apple products in your classroom, be sure to download the interactive iBooks for use in classroom centers or independent reading.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Change Gamer - Mike Farley
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): animals (291), earth (190), ecology (107), energy (138), environment (249), financial literacy (93), fish (17), game based learning (215), human body (92), map skills (63), migration (45), natural disasters (19), planets (118), plants (148), politics (120), problem solving (243), stars (77)
In the Classroom
Use these interactives to review concepts learned during a unit of study. Consider using the interactives at the start of a unit to teach concepts as the material is being learned. Be sure to download the student activity document. Use the pre-questions to identify misconceptions and activate prior knowledge. Directions in the document alert you to the basics of using the interactive. Provide the post-questions to the students as they play the interactive to be aware of what they will be learning. Replace paper and pen and use a blogging tool such as Telegra.ph, reviewed here. This blog creator requires no registration; be sure to have students save the URL to share with you. Students can answer the questions individually, as groups, or as a class to review the concepts learned during the interactive and connect it to class. As a class, discuss how the scenario presented in the interactive is or is not like actual environmental issues of today. Enhance learning and get the shyest of students involved in the discussion by using a backchannel chat such as YoTeach!, reviewed here. Change Gamer would also be an excellent activity for gifted students or for those who are ahead in their work in a differentiated classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Texas Performance Standards Project - Texas Performance Standards Project
Grades
K to 12tag(s): differentiation (77), gifted (64)
In the Classroom
Use this site to meet the needs of your gifted students. Use guides and materials to differentiate instruction in your classroom. Share with other teachers as a resource for collaboration with students across classrooms.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Corbettmaths - Mr. Corbett
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): addition (121), angles (52), charts and graphs (167), coordinates (15), decimals (85), division (93), equations (118), estimation (33), fractions (158), geometric shapes (136), inequalities (25), mean (20), measurement (124), median (17), mode (14), multiplication (116), probability (99), problem solving (243), pythagorean theorem (20), quadratics (27), sequences (12), square roots (15), subtraction (106), time (91), transformations (12), volume (34)
In the Classroom
Use printables and worksheets from Corbettmath for homework, review, and reinforcement of any math concept. View videos together and have students complete practice questions. Create a link to YouTube videos on your class website or blog for students to view at home. Use this site to differentiate for students of all levels. Share this site as a way to review before tests.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Worksheet Genius - worksheetgenius.com
Grades
K to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): addition (121), counting (60), decimals (85), division (93), fractions (158), handwriting (15), multiplication (116), negative numbers (13), number lines (33), numbers (114), phonics (50), place value (33), preK (288), rounding (8), sentences (21), spelling (96), subtraction (106), temperature (32)
In the Classroom
This worksheet tool offers many customization options, so it is easy to differentiate for ability levels within your class. Use worksheets from Worksheet Genius in learning centers. You can also make a touchable center by sharing them as a center on an interactive whiteboard. Share a link on your class website or newsletter for parents to use at home. Use Worksheet Generator for review before quizzes and tests.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Remember Pearl Harbor - New York Times: The Learning Network
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): 1940s (70), 20th century (169), japan (63), pearl harbor (15), roosevelt (18), world war 2 (168)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plan for use in your World War II unit or Pearl Harbor lesson. Use this site to differentiate activities for students. Be sure to "mine" the links within the site for additional resources to add to your current lesson plans. Exchange paper and pen brainstorming by having students or groups collect ideas and findings about the Day That Will Live in Infamy using Padlet, reviewed here. The Padlet application creates free online bulletin boards. Extend student learning and have them create a simple infographic about Pearl Harbor using Venngage, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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English Worksheets Land - English Worksheet Land
Grades
K to 12tag(s): antonyms (13), capitalization (9), context clues (5), figurative language (19), grammar (139), grammar review (31), handwriting (15), homophones (6), inferencing (7), myths and legends (42), parts of speech (38), phonics (50), poetry (196), prefixes (10), punctuation (24), reading comprehension (143), root words (10), sentences (21), spelling (96), suffixes (8), synonyms (16), vocabulary (241)
In the Classroom
Why reinvent the wheel? Bookmark this site for use all year. Use these worksheets to help differentiate for students. Many of the topics are covered at different levels and with different activities. Use some of the worksheets as review of a topic you already taught or to prepare for a test. Set up stations with worksheets from different topics for different days of the week, i.e. Monday is always spelling day and Friday is always poetry day. Choose individualized options so students are working at the appropriate level. These worksheets would be great practice for ESL/ELL and learning support students. Hate worksheets? Have students access this site and create their own learning activities to challenge each other based on the content here, but adding their own creative touches. They could use a quiz creator or multimedia tool from the Edge. Create "free and easy" interactive polls/quizzes using Kahoot (reviewed here).Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Beyond Traditional Math - Jen Smith
Grades
2 to 7This site includes advertising.
tag(s): problem solving (243)
In the Classroom
Subscribe to this blog through email or follow on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to receive notification of blog updates. Use blog posts during professional development or brainstorming sessions to find and develop classroom lessons. Try these ideas to differentiate for all students. Click on the Common Core tag to see a strategy to get students to start showing their work! Share student-made math projects using Ourboox, reviewed here. Ourboox creates beautiful page-flipping digital books in minutes, and you can embed video, music, animation, games, maps and more.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Mathematics Library - Libre Texts - Delmar Larsen
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): equations (118), probability (99), problem solving (243), statistics (117), STEM (331), wikis (14)
In the Classroom
Provide a link to MathWiki on your class website or blog for student use at home. Share information from the wiki on your interactive whiteboard (or projector) to supplement current learning materials. Use the wiki to find questions and student problems for classroom use. Differentiate learning for gifted students using content provided on the wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Read Theory - Read Theory (Tanner)
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): blended learning (27), differentiation (77), guided reading (32), Online Learning (32), reading comprehension (143), remote learning (31)
In the Classroom
Take your students to the next level in their reading and reading skills! Sign up students yourself (assigning a password and username). Students can sign up for themselves if they have an email (and school policies permit). The first task is to provide the reading level. Use this site to differentiate reading levels for your students. Use this tool in a blended or remote learning classroom to allow students time to read at their own pace, or set up a learning center for use during your L.A. block. This will allow you one-on-one time to begin the program. In a learning support or remedial reading class, especially at upper levels where "reading" is no longer a regular subject, this tool will allow students some autonomy in improving their skills. It will also let them see progress. Discuss with individual students the questions they answered and where the answers were in the reading, etc. Be sure to save this site in your class favorites and list it on your class website for students to access both in and out of the classroom. If students cannot have their own email accounts, consider using a "class set" of Gmail subaccounts, explained here; this describes how to set up Gmail subaccounts for any online membership service. Using Gmail subaccounts will provide anonymous interaction within your class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Math Fact Cafe - Math Fact Cafe
Grades
K to 6This site includes advertising.
tag(s): addition (121), counting (60), division (93), money (110), multiplication (116), preK (288), problem solving (243), subtraction (106), time (91), worksheets (72)
In the Classroom
This site offers many customization options, so it is easy to differentiate for ability levels within your class. Use worksheets from Math Fact Cafe in learning centers. Share a link to the site on your class website or newsletter for parents to use at home. Use Math Fact Cafe for review before quizzes and tests.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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TeachingEnglish - BBC
Grades
K to 12tag(s): vocabulary (241), vocabulary development (96), word study (57)
In the Classroom
You may want to complete some of the selections with a projector or your interactive whiteboard for the whole class. You could also differentiate by having small groups of students working on various activities at their individual independent levels. Make a shortcut to the activity on your classroom computer. Share a link to this resource on your class website or blog.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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