Maine Mentor Trainers

Differentiation Talking Points  

   1. Work Hard to Understand DisabilitiesTake advantage of professional development opportunities :Autism ,  ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder , ADHD- Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder, Fetal Alcohol and Drug Syndrome, ODD- Oppositional
Defiance Disorder,  Learning Disabilities , MR- Mental Retardation 

2. Build Relationships with Students 

3. Communicate with Parents- Early in the year and consistently throughout the year, make positive communications. When you communicate about “issues” do not act condescending.  

4. Go the extra mile each day. It is worth the investment. Get to know what interests outside of school each child has; make a personal connection with each child, each day. 

5. Greet the children at the door each day. 

6.  Sometimes, go out on the playground with the kids before school. Make personal connections before the school day starts. 

7. Occasionally, eat lunch with your students.  

8.   Start each day with a clean slate. Do not hold grudges. 

9. Partner with Special Education Teachers. It takes a Village!

10.   Always ask yourself, “what is it that I am assessing?” 

11.  Try different strategies.  

12.  Remember that each child is an individual. Do not get frustrated when one strategy does not work for all. 

13.   Plan for alternatives. Be FLEXIBLE! Be open to learn yourself!

14. Plan for your gifted students. Do not make them do extra work; alter assignments, so that they can function at a higher level. 

15. Create opportunities for all students to practice leadership during the daily routine. 

16.  Model all kids being equal and valued. Kids watch your every move, and they are extremely intuitive, many times much more than adults. 

17. Create a sense of fairness. Most kids will not perform at their best if they don’t see all students being treated fairly. Kids are usually extremely protective of each other. 

18.  Create and maintain a classroom environment where kids are protective of each other.  

19.   Do not tolerate any put downs, jokes or language that is demeaning.  

20.  Communicate the attitude that everyone is “smart” is some way. 

21. Use frequent, specific, authentic praise. Single all children out occasionally with specific praise. Single out students for their successes. 

22.    Don’t be afraid to sit with a child- be a partner or a scribe. Take turns doing this with all children. 

23.     Do not make a habit of sitting and working at your desk when the children are present.  

24.    Remember that many student function at home by getting negative attention. Praise can feel foreign and uncomfortable for some students initially.

25.     Set firm boundaries and be consistent! This is missing in many kids’ lives. By setting boundaries and enforcing them fairly, you are showing that you care. Children need and want boundaries. 

26.    Do not base your impressions of parents based on socioeconomic status.  

27.      Do not be judgmental. 

28.     You cannot fully understand a child until you have walked in their shoes. Be empathetic, and model empathy, compassion, and understanding in your classroom.

(A printable version is located at: http://www.maine.gov/education/teacherinduction/forms/index.html)