WINDOWS

DIFFERENTIATION

Windows is a great collaborative activity that can be adapted and used in most subjects. The example below is one that I have used in French with considerable success. It is relatively quick and easy to set up and there is minimum input from the teacher (always good!)

                                    













Points 1 & 2 prepared before the lesson 

1. You start off with an A3 piece of paper and split it into 'windows' with a text/question/sum in the centre box.
2. You then need to give titles to the other four boxes that become more challenging the lower you get (easiest in top left, slightly harder top right - more challenging in either of the bottom squares).
3. Put the children into pairs (more able with less able) - label the less able the 'anchors'  or As- they stay with their sheet the whole time. The other 'Bees' or Bs move around. Your groupings should be more able with less able). Give them a set amount of time to complete the first square (i.e 3 minutes).
4. After the time is up, ring a bell or simply say 'MOVE'  - the 'anchors' stay where they are and the more able 'bees' move clockwise to another sheet.
5. The 'anchors' now have to explain to their new partner what they have just done with their previous partner. After a minute or so, start the timer again. The new partner can now suggest corrections / add to previous boxes and then together they tackle the next box. 
6. Continue doing this until they have done a full circuit.

I like to go around after or during with a highlighter to draw attention to common errors that haven't yet been picked up. 

This is a great way for the more able to reinforce their knowledge and for the less able pupils to show their peers what they have done through demonstrating and explaining. The varying degrees of difficulty also makes it accessible to all ability ranges.

I have used this a few times (with Year 3 last year and the Year 8 Scholars) and the kids love it.