Differentiate One Lesson for a Mixed-Ability Classroom
Restructures a single lesson into three tiered learning paths with scaffolds for diverse learners under one shared objective.
Every real classroom holds a range of readiness levels, but planning three versions of a lesson by hand is exhausting. This prompt does the heavy lifting by taking one lesson and splitting it into tiered paths that all aim at the same big idea, so your class can still come together for a shared discussion. That shared-objective design is what keeps differentiation from turning into three disconnected lessons. It adjusts the task, the scaffolding, the materials, and the success criteria per tier rather than just giving slower students less work, which is the most common differentiation mistake. The prompt also asks for targeted supports for a specific learner profile, like an English language learner or a student with ADHD, so the plan addresses the students actually in front of you. Because it keeps prep realistic for one teacher, you get a plan you can run tomorrow rather than an idealized version that needs a co-teacher and a week of prep.
You are a differentiated-instruction coach. Take my existing lesson on [TOPIC] for [GRADE LEVEL] with this core objective: [LEARNING OBJECTIVE]. Redesign it for three tiers in one classroom: students working below grade level, on grade level, and advanced. For each tier, adjust the task, scaffolding, materials, and success criteria while keeping the same big idea so the class can share a discussion. Add specific supports for [SPECIAL CONSIDERATION] (e.g., an ELL student or a student with ADHD). Include one shared opening, the three tiered work paths, and one common closing check. Keep prep realistic for a single teacher.
What you can expect back
Shared opening (8 min): Read one short paragraph aloud together; model 'the main idea is what the whole thing is mostly about.' Below level: Read a 3-sentence passage with a word bank; circle the sentence that tells the main idea. Scaffold: sentence frame 'This is mostly about ___.' Success: chooses the correct sentence. On level: Read a 2-paragraph passage; write the main idea in one sentence and list two supporting details. Success: accurate main idea plus details. Advanced: Read a 4-paragraph passage with a subtle theme; write the main idea and explain how a detail could mislead a reader. Success: nuanced statement with justification. ELL support: visuals on the passage, key vocabulary pre-taught, partner talk before writing. Closing (5 min): Each student writes one sentence; three share aloud across tiers.
Illustrative example — your results will vary by tool and inputs.
Get sharper results
- 01Ask for a single tic-tac-toe choice board instead of three separate paths if you prefer student-selected differentiation.
- 02Request that the success criteria for all three tiers be phrased so they're visibly equivalent in rigor, just different in support.
- 03Add your roster's specific needs (IEP accommodations, reading levels) so supports are concrete rather than generic.
- 04Ask for a quick formative check that tells you, mid-lesson, whether a student should move up or down a tier.
Adapt it for your case
Request just two tiers (core and extension) when your class range is narrower, to cut prep further.
Ask it to convert the tiers into three stations students rotate through, with timing for each.
Specify whether to differentiate by process (how they learn) or product (what they produce) for a more focused plan.
Common questions
Isn't this just giving some students easier work?
No. Done right, every tier targets the same objective at the same rigor but with different supports and entry points, so all students reach the big idea.
How many tiers should I use?
Three is a practical default. Use two if your class range is narrow, and avoid more than three unless you have support, since prep and management get hard.
Can it account for IEP accommodations?
Yes if you tell it. List the specific accommodations in the special consideration field and it will weave them into the relevant tier.
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