Strategies for Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classes
Inclusive classrooms are places where all students with different learning styles and abilities are given access to an education. As an inclusion teacher, it is your job to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or ability, have access to meaningful learning opportunities. Differentiating instruction isn’t just a helpful strategy—it’s the cornerstone of success in an inclusive setting.
Here are practical, effective strategies to help you differentiate instruction and support all learners in your classroom:
1. Know Your Learners
Start with a deep understanding of each student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and learning preferences. Use tools like:
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Interest inventories
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Learning style surveys
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IEPs and 504 plans
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Ongoing formative assessments
The more you know, the better you can tailor your instruction.
2. Flexible Grouping
Use a mix of whole-group, small-group, partner, and individual work. Group students by shared interest, skill level, or learning preference—then change those groups often.
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Homogeneous groups for targeted skill instruction
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Heterogeneous groups for peer learning and collaboration
This approach keeps instruction dynamic and responsive.
3. Tiered Assignments
Design tasks at varying levels of difficulty that address the same essential concept or standard. For example:
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Students might all analyze a piece of text, but one group uses guided questions while another tackles open-ended analysis.
Tiering ensures everyone is appropriately challenged.
4. Use of Scaffolds and Supports
Offer multiple pathways to learning with scaffolds like:
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Visual aids
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Sentence starters
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Graphic organizers
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Checklists and timelines
Gradually remove supports as students gain confidence and independence.
5. Choice Boards and Menus
Empower students by giving them choices in how they demonstrate learning. A choice board might include:
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Creating a poster
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Writing a story
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Recording a podcast
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Designing a game
This promotes engagement and honors different learning modalities.
Next week I’ll continue the list with 5 more topics!
Have a favorite differentiation strategy or success story? Share it in the comments below!
Also, check out:
Co-Teaching Models to use in Inclusion
