1. Learning Environment: Setting the Stage for Academic Success
From Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom (Ch. 4)
Katie Boyle

2. The importance of a positive classroom climate…
“Learning occurs best in a positive environment- one that contains positive interpersonal relationships and interactions, that contains comfort and order, and in which the learner feels appreciated, acknowledged, respected, and validated.” -Barbara McCombs and Jo Sue Whisler

3. In a Differentiated Classroom, the Expectation is that Students Will:
Increase their proficiency and comfort while working independently, in small groups, and whole class
Think at high levels
Support the learning of their peers actively and effectively
Help the teacher make the classroom work

4. In a Differentiated Classroom, the Teacher Will:
Study students consistently in order to teach more effectively
Build a community in the classroom intentionally and explicitly
Work with individuals, small groups, and the whole class on a regular basis
Use flexible student groupings
Address readiness, interest, and learning profile needs for each learner

5. Teachers Must Get to Know Their Students!!

6. Strategies for Getting to Know Students (Figure 4.2, page 82)
Greetings at the door
“All About Me” Bags
Communication Journals
Note Taking
Surveys
One to Ten

7. Building Community in the Classroom
In differentiated classrooms, a teacher leads students to craft a common vision of a class in which there is room for everyone and individuals make a commitment to support one another in learning
A community provides a support system that helps the teacher oversee and maintain the effective operation of a classroom designed to operate flexibly and maximize the growth of each student

8. Strategies form Building a Classroom Community (Figure 4.3, p. 89)
Purposeful Talk
Keeper of the Book
Integrating New Students
Welcoming Guests into the Classroom
Working on a Sustained and Meaningful Product
Model What Matters

9. Using Student Groups…
Integral to building a productive, positive community
Provide an opportunity for students to share ideas, get input, encounter alternative ways of approaching problems/tasks, and get support.

10. Principles of Effective Grouping:
Flexible
Teach up
Use multiple ability tasks
Assign individuals roles within groups
Make content accessible to everyone
Assign competence

11. The Physical Environment…Furniture Arrangement/Floor Plan
The physical environment in a differentiated classroom should provide the structure and predictability that is needed in order for students to feel secure.

12. The Physical Environment…Furniture Arrangement/Floor Plan
Opt to use tables instead of individual desks
Arrange 4-8 individual seats/desks in one area of the room
Arrange the room so you can easily walk among students
Maintain “private space” as much as possible
Position your desk in an out of the way place, not front and center

13. Wall Space and Bulletin Boards
These environmental elements humanize a classroom and contribute to learner independence and success.

14. Wall Space and Bulletin Boards
Make sure assignment charts are large enough for students to see from anywhere in the room
Designate wall/bulletin space that will contain information about key assignments
Consider a “hint board”
Designate space that will contain exemplars of student work

15. Materials, Supplies, and Organizers
The idea here is to give students access to what they will need as they work in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes disruption.

16. Materials, Supplies, and Organizers
Store materials that are used often in accessible places
Store material that should be unavailable to students in places where it is difficult for them to see or access
Use bins, tubs or boxes to keep supplies organized
Designate places in the classroom where students will turn in classwork and homework as they complete it