One way to use tiered or differentiated instruction in reading is grouping students by their interests. For example, when teaching about the story of Hansel and Gretel, place students into groups of artists, writers and actors. Have the artists draw pictures of how the story looked in the time period in which it was written and how the story would look if it were drawn today. Have the writer’s group write their own versions of Hansel and Gretel if the story were in modern times. Have the actor’s group discuss how the main characters in the story talked and acted, and then have this group write a modern version of the story in play form and act it out for the rest of the class. Each group learns the same content, but then can express what they have learned in ways that are interesting to them.
Another way to put reading lessons into tiers is through prior knowledge assessment. For example, when introducing the topic of global warming, talk to the entire class about what they already know about global warming and write student comments about the issue on the white board or overhead projector. Then break students into three knowledge groups: those who are fairly new to the topic, those who have some knowledge, and those who were able to give thoughtful information about the topic during the classroom discussion. In each tiered group, provide reading materials to increase comprehension based on prior knowledge and a task based on that material. Use pictures and reading material that introduces global warming to the tier 1 group, articles and informational reading that talks about the effects of global warming on the environment in the tier 2 group, and scientific evidence that both supports and refutes global warming in the tier 3 group. Have the groups present their findings to the rest of the class.
Reading readiness tiered instruction gives groups of students the opportunity to engage in a story that is at their “just right” reading level. Example: Choose a reading-group theme of the week and choose three or four books that explain or support this theme. Provide guided reading questions and story maps for each group so each student is engaged in the same type of activity but with reading material that is both challenging and provides opportunities for success.
Tiered reading lessons can also be used to help students understand reading and writing concepts. For example, choose one book for a novel study and group students based on the four parts of story: plot, rising action, climax and falling action. Put students into groups based on the skill they need the most help with, and provide appropriate activities, questions and graphic organizers to help increase student’s comprehension in these areas.