3.2 Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated Instruction

Each student who walks into our early education programs brings their unique experiences and has their own learning needs and learning pace. An individualized approach is critical to ensuring your students reach their highest potential. As educators plan for individualized and differentiated instruction that addresses the needs of all early learners, they consider the various strategies, content, and activities that meet the children’s needs across the continuum of learning.

 Example strategies for differentiated instruction include:

• Flexible grouping that considers the strengths and room for growth of all students.
• Exploration/hands-on centers or stations where students are responsible for their learning.
• Directions that are short and concise.
• Questioning techniques that enable answers based on each student’s readiness and comprehension.
• Student as well as teacher-initiated tasks and projects that provide for hands-on learning.

 Teachers may need to look at breaking skills down into sequential steps and varying:

• The time for individual students to complete tasks.
• The content and degree of support.
• The scaffolding is based on the student’s assessed need.
• Approaches to supporting self-help and social-emotional competencies.

 How Children Learn From Activities

In the early years, children develop independence and explore their creativity through activities like drawing pictures with paint, crayons, or markers. As they create, they learn that pictures can represent real-life people, animals, objects, and places. For example, a child drawing a picture of their family begins to understand that the shapes and colors in their artwork symbolize actual people they know. This is the start of symbolic thinking. Over time, children use symbols, such as letters and numbers, to express their thoughts and feelings, which lays the foundation for skills in reading, writing, and math.

 Additionally, students have the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom by participating in enrichment activities that reinforce the concepts explored in class projects. These activities—such as field trips, community service projects, or outdoor explorations—provide hands-on experiences that deepen students' understanding and allow them to make real-world connections. By engaging in these enriching experiences, students are able to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful contexts, fostering a deeper sense of engagement and curiosity.

 How Children Learn From Our Environment

Creating a safe, comfortable, and relaxed environment is crucial for fostering a space where children can thrive and grow. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to be engaging and welcoming, with a variety of play and learning areas that encourage children to explore and discover both independently and with friends. Teachers organize materials on labeled shelves with visuals and multiple languages, which not only helps children understand where things belong but also encourages them to take pride in keeping their classroom organized. In preschool, the classroom is an integral part of the learning process, working alongside teachers and peers to support each child's development and growth.

 How Children Learn From Our Conversations

Talking with children is a big part of how they learn and grow. Through conversations, they build language skills, learn about emotions, develop problem-solving abilities, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.

When we talk with children, it gives them a chance to practice taking turns, listening, and sharing ideas. They also learn how to have friendly and respectful interactions, understand social cues, and feel comfortable talking with both friends and adults. These conversations help children build important life skills in a fun and natural way.