Differentiating the Language Arts for higher Ability Learners

Differentiating the Language Arts for higher Ability Learners

Differentiating the Language Arts for higher Ability Learners
For one of my article research and reflection papers I chose an article about differentiating language arts for higher learners. I chose this article because I believe it is very important to reach all children regardless of their learning level. As a student becoming a teacher we are taught how to reach all levels of learners, but it seems that we tend to focus on the lower level learners and sometimes neglect the higher level learners.
The article explains different approaches to differentiating language arts.   The article explains five different ways higher ability learners need language arts curriculum differentiated.   The first is literature; it should provide several experiences for students to read quality texts, and emphasize on critical reading and the development of analysis and interpretation. The second way it should be differentiated is in writing the curriculum should emphasize the development of skills in expository and persuasive writing, focusing the writing process on draft development, revision, and editing, and developing ideas and arguments on current issues. The third way to differentiate is to promote vocabulary development, fostering an understanding of the word relationships and origins. Develop an appreciation for semantics, linguistics, and the history of language. The fourth way to differentiate is through oral communication, it can benefit gifted students through balanced exposure to listening and speaking. Major emphases should include developing the skills of evaluative listening, debate, and discussion. The fifth approach is early study of foreign language.
I though this was a well written article. Teachers have many different learning levels in the classroom and it is our job to try and reach all of them. This article has a lot of great ideas to help teachers differentiate for high ability learners.