To me being committed to equity for diversity means you acknowledge that all students are different and you do your best to teach all of those students in ways that they will understand. Some of the ways that I do that is by, teaching a lesson in multiple ways (for math: using cubes, whiteboards, problem solving, quick tens and ones, number bonds, videos, dances, etc.), teaching in small group (reading with them, worksheet, educational games, etc). Being able to teach in multiple ways will help students to learn different points of view and they will be able to learn from each other.
Committed to Equity for Diversity
Effective urban educators are committed to equity for diverse learners.
Differentiated Instruction
Before beginning my internship, I knew it was important to teach in multiple ways since all students don't learn the same way. But I never realized how important it was until I started teaching. When teaching math, I make sure I show multiple ways to solve a problem. I use cubes, I make sure I speak every step that I am doing out loud, I find videos, I also write out all the steps.
When learning how greater than, less than, and equal to, I found a video that has the students make the symbols with their arms, I also told them about the alligator and how it wants to eat the bigger number because it is really hungry.
Small Group Instruction
I love when we have time for small group instruction. It really helps me connect with the students and helps me teach them in multiple ways so they understand the material. My mentor teacher and I have students separated into groups by reading level. This way when we meet up with them we know what materials we can teach. We try to meet with the lower level students at least twice a week each and with the higher level students, once a week.
This is a good time when we might fill out a worksheet that helps them with their spelling words for the week, we read a book and answer comprehension questions, play a game with the spelling words, etc. We keep this open depending on how the students are feeling and what they want to choose.