For Mr. M, learning isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s tailored to each student’s needs, interests, and abilities. As a teacher working with students with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other diverse learning profiles, he has seen firsthand how differentiation can transform learning experiences. 

“One moment that really sticks in my mind,” Mr. M recalls, “was with two boys in PE who had to develop a dance routine for an assessment. At first, they refused to participate because the assignment felt impossible to them.” 

Rather than insisting on a traditional approach, Mr. M adapted the task to meet the students where they were. He discovered that both boys were fascinated by jet planes and loved the movie Top Gun. Using their interests as a bridge, he introduced the concept of interpretive dance—a type of dance where you express ideas, emotions, or objects through movement. 

“You can do whatever you like with the music,” he explained. “You can pretend to be jets flying through the sky.” Intrigued, the students immediately engaged. They created a dance routine where their movements mimicked fighter planes performing flips and rolls, all set to Top Gun music. Mr. M even played the role of a control tower, responding to their cues in real time to guide the performance. 

The result? Not only did the boys complete their assessment, but they were also marked as proficient—thanks to a creative, student-centered approach that celebrated their strengths and interests. “The teaching staff were in hysterics when we recounted what happened,” Mr. M laughs. 

Why Differentiation Matters 

Differentiation is more than just tailoring lessons—it’s about unlocking potential and building confidence. Some of the benefits include: 

• Engagement: Students are more motivated when learning connects to their interests and strengths. 
• Confidence: Personalized strategies help students overcome obstacles and experience success. 
• Skill Development: Differentiation encourages problem-solving, creativity, and independent thinking. 
• Equity in Learning: All students, regardless of ability or learning profile, have the opportunity to thrive. 

Mr. M’s story demonstrates how thinking creatively and adapting tasks can turn challenges into meaningful, memorable learning experiences. By differentiating instruction, he not only helped students succeed academically, but also fostered resilience, collaboration, and a sense of accomplishment. 

With Mr. M, every student’s abilities are seen, valued, and amplified—sometimes in ways that soar far beyond traditional expect