What is differentiation in literacy instruction and provide an example?

• A. Tailoring instruction to meet diverse learner needs; for example, grouping by skill level and providing decodable texts for some, and more complex texts for others
• B. Using the same text for all students
• C. Differentiation means grading only on performance
• D. Differentiation is optional in PK–3 literacy

Answer: (A)

Differentiation in literacy instruction means tailoring what you teach and how you teach it to fit the varied needs, readiness, interests, and language backgrounds of all learners. In practice, this means adjusting texts, tasks, and supports so each child can access the learning and grow.

For example, in a PK–3 classroom you might group students by skill level and assign different reading materials accordingly. Some students who are still building decoding skills would work with decodable texts aligned to their phonics instruction and receive targeted practice, while students who have already mastered decoding tackle more complex texts and engage in deeper comprehension activities. This approach shows how instruction can be customized to help every child progress, rather than treating all students the same.

Keep in mind that differentiation focuses on meeting diverse needs through varied content and supports, not on using the same text for everyone, nor on grading alone or deeming it optional.