The 8 Hallmarks of a Differentiated Classroom

The HALLMARKS OF A DIFFERENTIATED CLASSROOM are apparent when there are combinations of the following traits…

1. A strong link between assessment and instruction.

2. Absolute clarity about what the teacher wants the students to know, understand, and be able to do – about what is truly important to learn in this unit.

3. Shared responsibility for the classroom is between teacher and students, in the goal of making it work for everyone.

4. Individual growth is emphasized as central to classroom success.  

5. A “way up,” usually through multiple and varied pathways, and never a “way out.”  

6. “Respectful” and engaging work for all students.  
7. Flexible grouping.
8. Flexible use of time, space, and materials.   

 I think that this list of hallmarks is great to include in all classrooms. Something similar that I have about each one of these is that it has to fit the students needs. It has to accommodate not only the divergent learners, fast finishers, or special needs children; it has to accommodate each and every one of your students!
I thought of certain ways to remember these hallmarks. With the help of my cohort of course! :)

1. A chain of links that incorporate the importance of assessment and instruction. 
2. A magnifying glass to help see more clearly what the teacher wants for the class as well as the students getting an understanding. The teacher needs to be clear as well as his or her clarity about what she wants the class to do.
3.  The ants in A Bug's life is a good way to remember this hallmark. Each ant has a certain job that they have to do daily, just like students have a certain job when they go to school. By doing this certain job the ants are working together as a colony and making everything work. Just like in a classroom when the students and the teachers do their jobs and taking on their responsibility, the class runs smoothly. (Most of the time 2&3 go together)
4.  Like a flower, each student needs nurturing. Flowers need soil, water, sunlight, etc. You should tend your grade at whatever stage the flower is at. 
5. Airplanes! Each student is like an airplane flying up into the sky and they are all going in different directions. It is okay if they are going in different directions because each student learns differently. Some need extra support so they do not crash. If one plane starts to fall down it will CRASH. Just like students, keep them heading up towards the sky and don't let them crash.
6. The Three Bears, papa bear likes his porridge hot, mama likes it cold, and baby bear likes it just right. The way that students learn should be just right for each one of them.
7. Shoes can be grouped in many ways, by color, size, brand, etc. Make sure students are not always in the same groups with the same students. Be flexible and switch it up every now and then. 
8. With Jigsaw Puzzles you can form them into different shapes of what works for students. You can form the class into what you need.