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Classroom Accommodation (Part 3): Lesson Differentiation

Meeting Diverse Learning Needs

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Every student brings their own unique strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. For students with learning differences or autism, it’s essential to adapt lessons so they can access the curriculum and truly shine. The good news? Differentiation doesn’t mean reinventing your entire lesson plan—it means making intentional tweaks so students feel capable and engaged.


Below are practical strategies you can use to bring differentiation into your classroom.


Task Analysis and Instruction

Not every lesson has to look completely different for each student. Task analysis—breaking a skill or concept into smaller, teachable parts— make learning more manageable and adaptable without losing your mind. You can link the steps together using backward chaining (teaching the last step first to build confidence) or forward chaining (teaching each step in order).


Task analysis works beautifully for life skills like handwashing or getting dressed, but also for academics. In my classroom, I’ve used task analysis to help students learn two place double-digit addition and even writing tasks.

Tips for task analysis:

  • Use step-by-step visual instructions for clarity.

  • Provide mini-lessons to target specific skills.

  • Celebrate completion of each step to keep students motivated.



Content Differentiation

Think of this as scaffolding—temporary support that’s gradually faded as students build independence.

Ways to differentiate content:

  • Break down complex concepts into manageable parts (using First-Then or First-Then-Next visuals).

  • Provide lessons activities at different complexity levels.

  • Provide multiple ways of presenting content: visual, auditory, and hands-on.

  • Consider using large legible fonts. I know some fonts are very cute but not always legible. And for students with dyslexia, try dyslexia fonts.

  • Consider initially reducing text for struggling readers.

  • Give limited, structured choices to foster agency. This simple strategy gives students a sense of control while still keeping structure in place.

  • Using real-world examples to build real-world connections.  And sprinkle in student’s interests where possible.



Multi-Sensory Delivery

Students with autism often benefit from visuals and sequential instruction. Bring lessons to life by:

  • Using PowerPoints with pictures or short videos.

  • Providing hands-on tools (unifix cubes, abacus, calculator, playdough).

Classroom example: When teaching a mixed-age class where some students still needed explicit alphabet instruction, I incorporated playdough as part of our lessons. This hands-on, multisensory approach made learning engaging for my students and it gave me time to work with the other students. And yes—rest assured, they also learned to read and write, not just shape letters out of playdough! This fine motor activity also later helped with their pencil control.

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  • Incorporating video modelling.

  • Leveraging interactive tech tools (Core5, Reading Eggs, Twinkl interactive games, DreamBox, IXL Learning)

  • Color-coding for organisation.




Process Differentiation

This is about how students access the material. You can adapt the process by:

  • Using flexible groups (by skill, interest, or ability).

  • Creating learning stations with varied activities.

  • Offering tiered activities at different challenge levels.

  • Providing choice boards.

  • Allowing extra time where needed.

  • Using tech tools for engagement.

  • Encouraging peer support and collaboration.


In this counting lesson, one student had already developed the ability to understand the concept of counting and could work without manipulatives. The other student, however, was still building this skill and benefited from using manipulatives to support their learning.



Product Differentiation

Alternative Ways to Demonstrate Understanding Because so much of the curriculum output expected from students includes written work, consider alternatives for students with autism to demonstrate their knowledge. Instead of a traditional written test, some students might benefit from creating a visual project or participating in a group presentation.


Options include:

  • Oral presentations

  • Visual projects or demonstrations

  • Digital portfolios and multimedia

  • Performance-based tasks

  • Choice menus for assessments (interviews, group or independent , mini projects, take pictures)

If it's within your control, consider using a formative assessment format- play base, use work samples combined with learning highlighted through comments rather than a high stakes test at the term.



Final Thought


Regardless of age or grade, learning isn’t linear, and not every gap can be closed—but you can change the trajectory of a child’s learning journey. Often times, supporting one student benefits many others.


Remember: you have the power to spark curiosity, nurture a love of learning, and prevent students from slipping into learned helplessness. Every small adjustment matters.


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