I recently watched some youtube videos about the ps 22 and what this teacher does for his students is inspiring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGpdULugKo4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee-WOs1PaHQ
I think this is the definition of what differentiation should be. Every single child who is performing feels like they are good at something and that they are smart. You can just tell that they are so engaged and interested. This does not feel or look like work, it looks more like play. I think that students need to be interested in what they are learning. Learning through music can be an excellent way to differentiate. If I were to differentiate in the classroom with music, I would differentiate for interest and the students who love music could be in the same group for some assingments. After that they could do activities like learn songs that help them remember something or even come up with their own songs.
I agree with most of what you said in this posting. First, you said, "I think this is the definition of what differentiation should be." (This is the only part I disagree with, but not like you might think). Mr. B. IS a definition of what good and engaging TEACHING should be, but we probably can't really see if he is differentiating or not. (He may BE differentiating, but we only see the performances, after the students have learned each particular song. Your ideas for how you would differentiate for interest in music, though -- these are awesome! I hope you really do get a chance to do this! 5 pts.
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