Hi Nancy,
I know now why they say the a teacher's job is never done. I needed a nap at the end of everyday. In fact I was in bed by 7:30 every night. I worked on perfecting my classroom managent skills and I listened to how my cooperating teacher talked to the students. I told her that she needed to write a book and list all of her one liners. She is an amazing teacher! The class that I'm in isn't really diverse but there are a few students that I had to differentiate with when I taught my math lessons. I probably should just talk to you in your office instead of writing a chapter on my blog. See you in class!

I understand Tomlinson's lessons. She has the objectives clearly stated so that even if she had a sub that day anyone could understand what she wanted the students to learn. I really like how she's listed her strategies to teach the unit. I'm familiar with brainstorming and learning centers etc. Tomlinson has made the KUD's very clear. I have to a unit on plants so I've focussed my reading on page 40. I really like how she has this unit broken into sections that I can use and understand.

I think that ThinkDots is a tiered activity because the teacher determines the students readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. With Multiple-Entry Journals activity I'm trying to understand what the teacher would get from this. Unless you read the students entry I don't think you could assess what their readiness levels were or their understanding of the content. Just reading a chapter and writing in their journal doesn't tell the teacher anything. You need to have an activity about what they read that is challenging and engaging.

In my opinion I don't think that Think-Tac-Toe is tiering. After reading the activity I don't think you should let students decide when they want to turn in their assignment. With a tiering activity you should challenge all students. They will rise to the challenge. Encourage your students. Let them provide feedback to one another.

My understanding about tiering is that it is an approach for students of different readiness levels. With different activities that you do in your classroom teachers have the ability to choose something that is engaging and interesting and at the same time knowing what students need to know and understand.

(Chapter 5) The way I teach the curriculum is important. I decide if I'm going to just stand in front and lecture or engage my students. Every student is unique with where they are in their learning process. I will help my students develop their talents and give them the tools of success.
I loved in (Chapter 6) where Mr. Johnson specifically planned his curriculum around his students K.U.D. I want to encorporate that same feeling. What do my students need to know, what do my students understand and what can my students do. I want to come up with ways to present and explore new ways to teach a topic. I want to scaffold with the students. Allow the students to have a part of what they learn and do within the classroom.

After reading chapter 3 I understand the importance of connecting with my students. Actually I already knew the importance but I am going to get to know each one of my students on an individual basis.
When I read chapter 4 I know that as an educator I create the environment for my students. I create the weather. I decide if I'll be a tool or torture or an instrument of inspiration. I posess a tremendous power to make a student's life miserable or joyous.