Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching

• #7 in Best First Year Teachers Books

5 Reviews

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This book provides a comprehensive view into the workings of the differentiated classroom. Dr. Tomlinson presents the vital theoretical underpinnings of differentiation, but pairs them with real world vignettes and strategies. This combination helps the reader understand the importance of tailoring instruction to meet students' needs, but also empowers the reader with a sense of "being equipped" with real-school-world tools to help them begin the reconstruction process.

If you are interested in differentiation, and meeting the needs of individual students, then this book is for you. It focuses more than the other differentiation books by Carol on the affective component of the classroom. How do we meet students where they are and understand where they are coming from?
This book emphasizes both teaching students and especially learning from them.
Whether this matches your philosophy or challenges your ideas, you will find this book helps you in your teaching career. Carol is my adviser, and if you get the chance to see her speak, definitely do it. You should read The Differentiated Classroom for more about academic curriculum.

This IS a book about pedagogy. Focused on the philosophy and structuring of Differentiated Instruction, Carol Tomlinson commented that this should have been her first book on Differentiation. The anecdotes and real world examples clarify theory into practice. DI is presented within the context of quality instructional planning considerations. Highly recommended for Teacher Leaders and administrators to become the in-house support for their district and buildings. A variety of strategies with examples are provided in the appendix. I found it helpful with some of the book studies I've lead for districts and schools.

If you're looking for the larger picture of the what and how of DI fits into curriculum, and why students respond as they do to instruction, this book is a perfect fit, especially if you have had some (minimal at least) background with DI in lesson planning. Otherwise, consider How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms by Tomlinson. It's an excellent primer someone looking for basic, basic understanding and where to begin the journey. In fact, get both books if you are just starting out. Fufilling the Promise appendices of strategies is one of the best available as it included classroom examples. Welcome to Differentiated Instruction. Students will gain greater benefits from your efforts.

This is the first book I have purchased for a class that I felt was of benefit to me (and I've taken a lot of classes). It has great ideas and half of the book is filled with sample tools that you can use in your own classroom. This book is great for someone who is just starting out with differentiated instruction and even has ideas a senior teacher hasn't thought of yet!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I even brought it to the beach with me. I found it helpful and easy to read. It gave me ideas and tips for starting the year right. I found myself able to integrate what I learned from this book with other courses I've taken. I read it and felt invigorated and excited about beginning the year. I look forward to applying more of what I've learned as the year continues. I definitely recommend this book!