As I write this post, a gathering of great brains is underway in Las Vegas. If that sounds a little out of the ordinary, it’s because it’s a special occasion. The National Conference of Differentiated Instruction (say that five times fast) began on Sunday.
What is differentiated instruction, you ask? A short answer: it’s about the brain. More specifically, it’s about how different people learn in different ways, and how we can use that knowledge to better teach one another. Here at LEP, we’re lucky enough to have a recognized expert, Dr. Linda Karges-Bone, as one of our writers (check out her books here). In fact, Dr. Bone is presenting in Vegas this week!
It may sound complicated, but introducing the concept through daily interactions with students and children is really quite simple! These ideas aren’t a lesson plan or complete unit. They are easy-to-implement strategies that could help tap the full potential of young brains.
One way to influence brain activity is by using a variety of colors each day. The brain reacts to color in startling ways. Using colored chalk, bold colored markers, or color on an interactive whiteboard can improve attention. It’s amazing what different colors awake in our brains. For example, different shades of blue can inspire excitement, creativity, reflection, and relaxation.
The impact of sensory appeal doesn’t end there. You can also reach your students’ brains through their noses! A few examples: lemon and pine scents lead to increased alertness and attention; jasmine relaxes students and encourages reflection; and apple and cinnamon inspire creativity.
It’s no secret that a stressed out mind won’t learn as effectively as a relaxed one. Use soothing techniques to help you get the most out of your students’ brains. Use journaling to help students deal with issues at home and at school. Distribute mood-improving foods like almonds and dark chocolate to give children a boost. Start the day with physical movement. The exercise will release natural endorphins and better prepare everyone for the day ahead.
Creativity in the classroom has always been important, but did you know that it can help children learn more effectively? Creative thinking can leave students with a feeling of completion, satisfaction, and heightened connection. Be sure to encourage creativity while teaching. This can be done in many ways. You might introduce a new activity (crafts, poetry, building activities) that asks students to use their imaginations. Try playing music - it can be used to unlock otherwise dormant parts of the brain.
Enough from us – we’ve barely scratched the surface of differentiated instruction and the benefits it offers minds. Just because you’re not in Vegas doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the brain talk. Have you ever used differentiated instruction in your class or home? How do you get the most out of your students’ brains? How might you go about introducing these concepts to your daily routine? Tell us!
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