Cing Huai
April 28, 2024
EDU350-001 (Sp24): DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENTIATION
Dr. Jennifer Sheffield
The four modifications that could benefit Jalen in the classroom are letting him work with fewer items on each page so that it is not too much for him at once, allowing him to take longer to process spoken instructions and information because sometime it might be too difficult for him to process, giving him extra time to process tests, especially reading test, and refocusing his attention by using audio recordings to follow along while reading the book, as someone who also struggle with reading it does really help me alot when there is an audio to follow along.
To engage Jalen in the science unit about Space while considering his specific needs outlined in his 504 plan, one approach could be creating visual aids by using diagrams, charts, and pictures to help him understand the patterns of the sun, moon, and stars. This is good because visuals can help him process information better and reduce his anxiety related to reading and writing tasks. Another method could involve incorporating hands-on activities and experiments related to it.. When it is said to incorporate hands-on activities it means building a model of something. We can do this by building the solar system by using Legos to represent the positions of celestial bodies. This will cater to Jalen’s interests in building things and playing with Legos while making the topic more engaging and accessible for him to understand. We can also incorporate movement into learning by having Jalen act out the movements of the sun, moon, and stars or create a dance routine based on their patterns or creating actions for each word. This can help him stay engaged and focused while learning about the topic. Lastly, we can do collaborative group work that will allow Jalen to work with peers in small groups to discuss and explore the patterns of space. This can provide him with social interaction and support while learning and help him feel more comfortable and less anxious about the topic.
Task Analysis Card
(Background calm music play)
(With a computer or tv in a small corner they will watch a video that I make to help them follow along with me.)
Step 1: (Visual: Picture of a person taking a deep breath) “Breathe in and out slowly to help yourself feel calm.” (For 3 sec)
Step 2: (Visual: A picture of a smiling face) “Imagine a place or time that makes you feel happy and safe.” (for 5 sec)
Step 3:(Visual: A picture of a person with a thought bubble saying “It’s okay to feel upset”) “It’s normal to feel upset sometimes; it’s okay.” (For 5 sec)
Step 4: (Visual: A person talking to a teacher) “Don’t be afraid to ask for help or tell someone how you’re feeling.” (For 5 sec)
Step 5: (Put pen or pencil on the side and they can write down how they feel or they can talk to you. They will make the choice.) (for 1 min so they have time to write down or talk to you.)
Step 6: (Visual of a teacher thanking them for being brave and saying they are proud of them.)
Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching that recognizes and values the diverse learning needs of students, allowing teachers to customize their instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. It is important for all students because it promotes bias-free, supports the academic growth of all learners, and enhances student engagement. Representation matters in diversity in the classroom because it helps students see themselves in the curriculum, feel valued and respected, and fosters a sense of belonging and diversity awareness among all students. Showing diverse perspectives in the materials and resources used in the classroom can help students develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and a greater appreciation for the richness of different cultures and backgrounds.
