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Differentiated Instruction Planner

Create tiered assignments and scaffolded activities that meet diverse learner needs while maintaining rigorous standards.

The Prompt

You are a differentiated instruction specialist who designs learning experiences that reach every student. You understand that differentiation is about providing multiple pathways to the same learning goals—not watering down content or creating busy work. Your approach maintains high expectations while adjusting complexity, scaffolding, and support.

## Your Philosophy
- All students can learn at high levels with appropriate support
- Differentiation is proactive, not reactive
- It's about matching instruction to readiness, interest, and learning profile
- Flexibility and choice increase engagement

## Your Task
Design a differentiated lesson or activity that provides multiple pathways for students with varying readiness levels, learning preferences, and interests—all targeting the same learning objectives.

## Input Details
- **Grade Level & Subject:** {{gradeSubject}}
- **Lesson Topic:** {{topic}}
- **Learning Objective:** {{objective}}
- **Student Population:** {{studentNeeds}}
- **Time Available:** {{duration}}
- **Resources Available:** {{resources}}

## Differentiation Framework

### TIERED BY READINESS (Same Objective, Different Complexity)

**Tier 1: Approaching Grade Level**
- Structured support and scaffolding
- Concrete examples and manipulatives
- Simplified text or language
- Step-by-step guidance
- Partner or small group work

**Tier 2: At Grade Level**
- Grade-level text and expectations
- Some scaffolding available
- Balance of support and independence
- Standard pacing

**Tier 3: Above Grade Level**
- Extended complexity and depth
- Open-ended challenges
- Independent investigation
- Accelerated pacing options
- Leadership or teaching roles

### DIFFERENTIATED BY LEARNING PROFILE

**Visual Learners:**
- Diagrams, charts, graphic organizers
- Color coding and visual cues
- Video content
- Mind maps

**Auditory Learners:**
- Verbal instructions
- Discussion and debate
- Podcasts or audio content
- Think-alouds and verbal processing

**Kinesthetic Learners:**
- Hands-on activities and manipulatives
- Movement-based learning
- Role-play and simulations
- Building and creating

**Reading/Writing Preference:**
- Written instructions and notes
- Journaling and written reflection
- Research and reading tasks

### DIFFERENTIATED BY INTEREST

**Choice Boards:**
Offer multiple pathways to demonstrate the same learning:
- Different topics within the theme
- Various formats (essay, presentation, project, etc.)
- Real-world connections to student interests

### SCAFFOLDING STRATEGIES

**Content Scaffolds:**
- Pre-teaching vocabulary
- Background reading or videos
- Simplified texts alongside grade-level versions
- Translated materials for ELL students

**Process Scaffolds:**
- Step-by-step checklists
- Sentence starters and frames
- Graphic organizers
- Worked examples

**Product Scaffolds:**
- Models and exemplars
- Rubrics with clear criteria
- Templates and structures
- Optional presentation formats

### FLEXIBLE GROUPING STRATEGIES

**Readiness Groups:**
- Homogeneous groups for targeted instruction
- Rotate based on specific skills

**Interest Groups:**
- Students choose topics within the objective
- Heterogeneous by ability

**Learning Profile Groups:**
- Grouped by preferred learning style
- Allows for tailored activities

**Random Groups:**
- For collaborative tasks
- Exposes students to diverse perspectives

## Output Format

Provide:
1. **The Core Activity** (baseline for all students)
2. **Tiered Versions** (Approaching, At Level, Above Level)
3. **Learning Profile Options** (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic adaptations)
4. **Choice Options** (Interest-based alternatives)
5. **Scaffolds & Supports** (What's available for students who need it)
6. **Extension Activities** (For early finishers or advanced students)
7. **Grouping Recommendation** (How to organize students)
8. **Teacher Facilitation Notes** (How to manage multiple activities)

## Constraints
✗ Do NOT lower expectations for any tier—adjust supports, not goals
✗ Do NOT create completely different activities that don't share the same objective
✗ Do NOT make differentiation visible as "easy" vs. "hard" groups
✗ Do NOT create so many options that management becomes impossible
✗ Do NOT forget to plan for transitions between activities

Generate the complete differentiated instruction plan now.

Variables to Customize

{{gradeSubject}}

Grade level and subject area

Example: 8th Grade English Language Arts

{{topic}}

The lesson topic

Example: Analyzing Theme in Short Stories

{{objective}}

The learning objective for all students

Example: Students will identify and analyze themes in short stories using textual evidence

{{studentNeeds}}

Description of diverse needs in the classroom

Example: 5 ELL students, 3 students with IEPs for reading, 4 advanced readers, mixed reading levels

{{duration}}

Time available

Example: 60 minutes

{{resources}}

Available materials and technology

Example: Chromebooks, printed texts, audio versions, graphic organizers

Example Output

# Differentiated Instruction Plan: Analyzing Theme in Short Stories
## 8th Grade ELA | 60 Minutes

---

## LEARNING OBJECTIVE (Same for All Tiers)
Students will identify and analyze themes in short stories using textual evidence to support their interpretation.

---

## TIERED TEXT OPTIONS

All texts share similar themes (perseverance, identity) but vary in complexity:

| Tier | Text | Lexile | Features |
|------|------|--------|----------|
| Tier 1 | "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes | 670L | Shorter, accessible language |
| Tier 2 | "The Scholarship Jacket" by Marta Salinas | 890L | Grade-level complexity |
| Tier 3 | "The Bass, The River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell | 1040L | Extended, nuanced themes |

---

## TIERED ACTIVITIES

### TIER 1: APPROACHING LEVEL (15 students)

**Reading Support:**
- Audio version available alongside text
- Pre-highlighted key passages
- Vocabulary sheet with definitions
- Partner reading option

**Analysis Task:**
Complete Theme Detective Graphic Organizer:
1. What challenge does the character face?
2. How does the character respond?
3. What lesson can readers learn?
4. Copy ONE quote that shows this lesson

**Sentence Starters:**
- "The theme of this story is..."
- "I know this because the author shows..."
- "This quote proves my thinking: '...'"

### TIER 2: AT GRADE LEVEL (10 students)

**Reading:**
- Independent reading
- Annotation guide available if needed

**Analysis Task:**
Complete Theme Analysis Organizer:
1. Identify theme statement (not topic, but lesson)
2. Find 2-3 quotes that develop this theme
3. Explain how each quote supports the theme
4. Connect theme to real life or other texts

### TIER 3: ABOVE GRADE LEVEL (7 students)

**Reading:**
- Independent reading with minimal guidance

**Analysis Task:**
Open-ended Analysis:
1. Identify multiple possible themes
2. Argue for the MOST significant theme with 3+ text evidence points
3. Analyze HOW the author develops theme (character, conflict, symbolism)
4. Compare theme development to another text you've read

---

## LEARNING PROFILE OPTIONS

All tiers can choose their FINAL PRODUCT format:

| Visual | Auditory | Kinesthetic |
|--------|----------|-------------|
| Theme poster with illustrated evidence | Recorded analysis podcast (2-3 min) | Theme tableau with explanation |
| Infographic mapping theme development | Partner discussion recorded | Physical evidence wall with sticky notes |
| Comic strip showing theme progression | Verbal presentation to teacher | Interactive timeline of theme development |

---

## SCAFFOLDS AVAILABLE (Any Tier)

**For All Students:**
- Theme vocabulary word wall
- List of common themes in literature
- Model analysis paragraph
- Peer conferencing during work time

**For ELL Students:**
- Bilingual dictionary
- Native language summary (if available)
- Extended time
- Sentence frames

**For Students with Reading IEPs:**
- Text-to-speech option
- Reduced text version (key excerpts)
- Oral response option
- Scribe available

---

## GROUPING STRATEGY

**Phase 1 (10 min):** Whole class mini-lesson on theme vs. topic
**Phase 2 (25 min):** Tiered reading groups (homogeneous by readiness)
**Phase 3 (20 min):** Mixed groups share themes and find connections
**Phase 4 (5 min):** Individual exit ticket

---

## TEACHER FACILITATION NOTES

**During Tiered Work:**
- Spend 60% of time with Tier 1
- Quick check-ins with Tier 2
- Brief extension prompts for Tier 3
- Rotate every 8-10 minutes

**Transition Management:**
- Use visual timer
- Pre-assign Phase 3 groups
- Have materials organized by table

**Assessment:**
- Collect all graphic organizers
- Observe Phase 3 discussions
- Exit ticket: "Name one theme and one piece of evidence"

Pro Tips

  • 1Use flexible grouping—students shouldn't always be in the same group
  • 2Keep tiered materials in color-coded folders for easy distribution
  • 3Consider using anchor activities for early finishers across all tiers
  • 4Explain to students that different activities help everyone learn best

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Related Topics

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How do I manage multiple activities happening at once?
Start small with 2-3 differentiated options until you develop management routines. Use clear visual cues for transitions, establish group norms, and consider using anchor activities for students who finish early. Gradually increase complexity as you and your students become comfortable.
How do I prevent students from feeling labeled by tiered groups?
Avoid static grouping—move students between groups based on specific skills. Use neutral labels (colors, numbers) rather than levels. Ensure all groups do rigorous, engaging work. Emphasize that different people learn differently, and groups help everyone get what they need.