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Lower School News

Differentiated Learning in Lower School
Beth Overby | Lower School Principal

At EAB, we believe that every child is unique and learns in different ways. To ensure that each student is challenged and supported, we plan for and implement differentiation strategies within our classrooms. This means that instead of teaching all students the same way, we tailor our instruction to meet individual needs, abilities, and interests. By offering varied levels of support, learning engagements, and assessment opportunities, we create an environment where every child can grow and develop.

There are four main types of differentiation that we use to personalize learning: content, process, product, and environment. Content differentiation involves providing students with different learning tasks or resources based on student readiness or interest. Process differentiation focuses on how students engage with the material, offering varied activities such as group work, hands-on experiences, or independent research. Product differentiation allows students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways, such as writing, building models, or giving presentations. Finally, environment differentiation involves adjusting the physical space or learning environment to support student needs. Some students may work best in quiet, individual settings, while others might thrive in collaborative spaces. We also use flexible seating, movement breaks, or outdoor learning opportunities to support different learning preferences.

By differentiating our teaching in these four areas, we personalize learning and nurture students' independence and self-awareness. They become more engaged, motivated, and confident because they are learning in ways that support them as individuals. Whether a child is mastering a new skill or diving deeper into a topic that excites them, differentiation ensures their learning journey is personalized and impactful. We are proud to support our students in becoming lifelong learners, ready to take on new challenges with confidence and curiosity.