10 Effective Ways to Differentiate by Process

Differentiation isn’t about creating 25 different lesson plans — it’s about giving students multiple ways to learn and practice the same skill. When you differentiate by process, you adjust how students make sense of the content. This includes how they practice, how they interact with the material, and the kinds of supports you provide along the way.

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10 Effective Ways to Differentiate by Process

Here are 10 effective ways to differentiate by process that you can start using right away.

1. Use Flexible Grouping

Flexible grouping allows students to work with different peers depending on the skill, task, or level of support needed. Groups shift regularly and are based on readiness, interest, or learning profiles—not ability labels. This gives every student the structure they need without limiting their potential.

Find out how to use strategy groups and guided math groups in your classroom.

2. Offer Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers help students structure their thinking while processing new information. Provide a variety—story maps, Venn diagrams, cause-and-effect charts, problem-solving templates—and let students choose the support that fits their needs. Some will benefit from heavy structure, while others can work without it.

3. Give Students Process Choices

Offer students different ways to practice the same skill. Options may include partner work, independent practice, hands-on tasks, digital activities, or discussion-based learning. Students become more engaged when they can select the approach that aligns with their learning style.

4. Varied Task Complexity

Instead of giving every student the same level of challenge, offer tasks with different degrees of complexity that all target the same learning objective.

• Some students may work through step-by-step tasks with guided prompts.

• Others may tackle open-ended challenges that require deeper reasoning or multiple strategies.

This keeps all students in the zone of productive struggle without overwhelming or under-challenging them.

5. Use Learning Stations or Centers

Stations make it easy to break a lesson into smaller, more manageable steps. Each station can offer a different type of processing: hands-on exploration, independent practice, digital learning, or a teacher-led small group. Students rotate through tasks at a rhythm that supports meaningful learning.

6. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps

Chunking helps students who need more time or structure. Provide tasks in bite-sized steps with visual directions or checkpoints. Students who are ready can complete the full sequence independently, while others gain confidence through more guided pacing.

7. Incorporate Think-Alouds and Modeling

Some students need to hear your thought process before attempting a skill. Think-alouds help students understand the steps, strategies, and decision-making behind a task. Adjust the amount of modeling depending on what each group or student needs.

8. Use Scaffolds and Supports

Scaffolds such as sentence stems, manipulatives, anchor charts, checklists, and cue cards help students navigate a learning process successfully. Provide scaffolds strategically based on student readiness—and gradually remove them as students show independence.

9. Adjust the Amount of Time Students Have

Pacing matters. Some students need extended time or chunked deadlines to process skills effectively. Others finish quickly and benefit from enrichment tasks that deepen or apply their understanding. Giving students the right amount of time ensures meaningful learning rather than rushed confusion.

10. Build in Reflection and Feedback Opportunities

Exit tickets, learning logs, rubrics, and quick check-ins help students think about how they are learning. Reflection supports growth, and personalized feedback allows students to adjust their approach. Tailor feedback so each student gets what they need—whether that’s daily conferencing or occasional check-ins.

Differentiating by process helps every student move through learning in a way that makes sense for them. It doesn’t require completely new lessons—just small shifts that make your instruction more responsive and flexible. When students have multiple pathways to practice and engage, confidence grows and achievement follows.

You’re Invited!

Looking for new ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?

Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.

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