CARING
Differentiation in my classroom means caring about each individual student from the moment
they walk through the door. It means caring enough to greet them individually and to hear
what they have to say, and have others listen respectfully. It means caring to make them feel
respected, valued, and loved. It means caring to set an example of how to treat others.
It means caring to notice and to address students’ individual needs, and therefore improving my
teaching practice for everyone. It means caring to highlight differences, to share them and to
celebrate them. It means caring to find out what motivates them and to engage them in their
learning. It means caring to help them organize, stay focused, contribute appropriately. It
means caring to celebrate their successes and to coach them along, and encourage them when
they make mistakes. It means caring to help them and their peers realize that their talents,
gifts, and interests make them all unique and wonderful. It means caring to meet them where
they are and not where I expect them to be. Accepting. It means challenging them to do their
best and to work their hardest. It means caring to make them think. Critically. It means caring
enough to teach them that they have power over their thoughts, that they can choose how to
see the world, and that they can choose to be happy, confident learners and people. It means
caring to look them in the eye, and tell them what I love about them. And, it means caring
to give them a high five at the end of the day.
