Differentiation in the Gym

Differentiation uses different strategies of instruction to help address the student’s strengths, skills, and interests. The learning environment presented is flexible and allows for students to learn in their own way, on their own level. Not every classroom will have all A students. Not every student will grasp a concept the first or second time it is taught. The goal of differentiation is to provide different ways to learn a subject so that the student can learn the best way possible.

In physical education differentiation can be expressed various ways. If the subject is basketball and the height of the goals can be lowered, the teacher may give the option of which goal to shoot at, high or low. Some students may not have the coordination to dribble with a basketball yet so they may need to practice with a larger ball with more bounce like a kickball. If teaching juggling, the students who have more prior knowledge and skill may use foam balls to practice with while beginning jugglers may use scarfs or bandanas which float slower and are easier to catch.