Today we’re joined by the fabulous Julia - an experienced classroom teacher who brings a calm, clear-eyed approach to differentiation that will leave you feeling capable, confident, and ready to make small changes with big impact.
Together we explore what differentiation really looks like in action, and spoiler alert, it doesn’t have to mean rewriting your entire lesson plan! From math warm-ups to the powerful “bump it up” wall strategy, Julia offers super practical tips for meeting students where they are, while keeping things simple and sustainable for busy teachers.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why starting small with differentiation (like warm-ups or wrap-ups) is a game-changer
- How to ditch the myth that you need 3 different versions of every activity
- Smart ways to manage differentiated math groups (and why you don’t need to be everywhere at once!)
- How the “bump it up” wall builds student ownership and writing confidence
- The power of repetitive, low-prep activities like number talks and “What Doesn’t Belong”
- Tips for using simple tweaks for instant differentiation
- How strong routines and a resilient mindset make classroom life smoother
- The ultimate reminder: Your presence matters more than perfection.
This episode is for any teacher looking to streamline their existing strategies when it comes to differentiation. It is packed with doable ideas, mindset shifts, and encouraging truths that will help you support every learner in your classroom, without burning out.
Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Julia on Instagram @mrschalmerscherubs
Find Julia’s resources here: www.mrschalmerscherubs.com
Find our low-prep UNO activities here.
See what a ‘Bump it up wall looks like.
Our previous episodes about Differentation: Part 1 (episode 54) and Part 2 (episode 76)
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