Tracye's+Project+-+Planning+for+Diversity

Tracye's Project - Planning for Diversity
Pam - Tracye...you've done a great job of defining diverse learners and modifications. I've made a few notes and asked a few questions. I think that your choice to use PebbleGo (with all of its features) is absolutely perfect for this lesson and for a variety of different learners.

A – **Visual Learner** is organized, plans ahead, responds well to color, and graphic organizers. The student knows what they wants to convey, however have difficulties expressing it in words, so he would rather show you instead. The student likes to work in within spatial arrangement and he needs to see the whole picture (the lesson in it’s entirety) before having a clear understanding of the information being taught.
 * Modifications:**
 * [|Discovery Education] streaming Animal Alphabet video to present the whole picture and end results of the lesson.
 * [|PebbleGo] is a colorful pictorial online database that would satisfy the responsiveness to colorful graphics. It converts complex and messy information collected into meaningful displays.
 * Animal Worksheet for graphic organization.

Pam - Maybe you could consider a "picture walk" through the book first before reading to help visual learners get the big picture. Also, this group may enjoy and benefit from drawing a picture of their animal after reading and researching.

B – **Auditory Learner** often speaks well, needs to hear themselves talk through problems, read-aloud and love classroom discussions. Responds well to rhythmic patterns of sounds and music. However, finds writing and visualizing images difficult.
 * Modifications:**
 * The iPod Touch would can be used to record the lesson for the student to use as review, reinforcement, or if they're absent.
 * Deciding and selecting the type of animal for research would be done in small groups.
 * During oral discussions the use of action words would be used (hear, say, speak).
 * [|PebbleGo] has the audio reader for his ability to love to read aloud.

How fun (and effective) to include the use if an iPod Touch for auditory learners! The iPod Touch could also be used for students to make audio recordings of their research information, which they could play back and review.

C – **Kinesthetic Learner** , loves to be on the move doing something with their body and hands. Uses a lot of gestures, finger pointing when reading, and likes to use manipulative while working. The student is usually standing, kneeling, or tapping while doing class work. But, has difficulties sitting for long periods of time or remembering/focusing on visuals.
 * Modifications:**
 * Going outside to see some of the local animals that they could select for research (ie… ants, bees, etc).
 * Rotating workstations would be set up so the student will be able to move about the room which would help with remembering the content within that workstation area (PebbleGo, Promethean Board, Animal Worksheet, etc… would be set up as different workstations)
 * Animal counters would be used as working manipulatives

**Pam - What are "animal counters" and how are they/will they be used? (sorry, I've never encountered these before.) I really like the first two modifications that you've listed for this learner.** Tracye - Animal Counters are different types of animals (about 30 - 40) I purchases several years ago from the teacher store. They are like the bears math teachers use.

D – **Visual Reading Learner** . This student loves to tell stories, write (their own stories), and absolutely loves to read. They have a remarkable ability to memorize places, dates, and names. Likes to have keynote presentation in written notes instead of charts, graphic and presentation slides.
 * Modifications:**
 * Non-fiction books on different animals will be available at a workstation for the student to read.
 * Handout will be available giving a brief description on the different animal for reference when complete research.
 * Other websites on animal will be available for further research into the animal of her choice.
 * [|PebbleGo] is a colorful pictorial online database that would satisfy the responsiveness to colorful graphics. It converts complex and messy information collected into meaningful displays.

Pam - I think that it's very effective to do as you described--have other non-fiction animal books available, as well has websites available for this learner to seek out and use.