Flip the Learning-Extension Opportunities

One way we differentiate the learning to engage students is finding a way to take the learner beyond what they already know.  If they come into their classroom ahead of their peers, it could be a boring year and they could become easily distracted, which usually means some kind of behavior issue.  However, if we give some kind of assessment tool (which we do) to know what are learners already know, then we can take the ones who know a skill and build on that with a harder skill.  Our district has really honed in with some options in math to meet those needs for the variety of skill level that comes into our classroom.  After assessing their current level, if we see they do not need to be taught a certain skill because they already know it, we move them into a flipped learning scenario.  

Flipped learning is where student will independently watch a video explanation of a skill or concept being taught. The video will typically teach them the skill and give them some kind of independent practice.  By implementing the flipped model, students are able to watch this while the teacher is with those that do need the on grade level lesson.  So the learning is happening simultaneously, but at the level each learner needs.  Then, when the teacher meets with the learner, they will be ready for the next step.  Students can choose to show their learning or apply what they learned with some kind of project or by solving a problem involving what they've learned.  By giving choice, this increases student engagement and shows what they just learned.  It's a win/win situation for the teacher and the student.  

You can read the article by Eric Carbaugh and Kristina Doubet about flipped instruction to get further insite on how this works.  

From Dr. Leslie Owen Wilson's article on Flipped Classrooms

Below are some examples of problems or projects a student might work on to show their new learning.

Example Extension Activities (4th Grade)

Standard	Extension Activity
Multi-digit multiplication	Design a school fundraiser budget
Fractions	Create a recipe conversion challenge
Geometry	Design a playground using geometric principles
Data analysis	Conduct a class survey and create graphs
Measurement	Build a miniature classroom blueprint