Differentiated Lesson Planner for Middle School
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans with built-in differentiation tiers and formative assessm...
What You Can Do
You can generate fully scaffolded lesson plans that serve students across the achievement spectrum without creating separate lessons. Claude translates standards into layered learning objectives (foundational, grade-level, advanced), generates parallel tasks with identical rigor but different modalities, embeds quick formative assessments, and produces extension activities for early finishers plus intervention supports for struggling learners. This skill cuts lesson planning time while ensuring every student has an appropriate entry point and challenge level.
Features
Converts state/district standards into three-tier learning objectives (foundational, proficient, advanced) aligned to your grade level
Creates multiple pathways to the same learning target using different modalities (visual, kinesthetic, linguistic) and scaffolding levels
Designs quick, low-stakes checks embedded throughout the lesson to monitor understanding by tier
Generates specific resource recommendations for each tier (manipulatives, graphic organizers, digital tools, text levels)
Produces ready-to-use enrichment tasks for advanced learners and targeted reteach prompts for students needing support
Includes ELL supports, IEP accommodation suggestions, and accessibility considerations without requiring individual student data
Structures single lessons into multi-day units with scaffolding sequences so scaffolds gradually release as students build competence
Example Output
Example 1: 7th Grade Math — Proportional Relationships
Foundational Tier: Students use grid paper and colored blocks to create visual representations of ratios, completing partially-filled ratio tables with your verbal confirmation at each step.
Grade-Level Tier: Students solve proportional relationship problems using tables, graphs, and equations; explain their reasoning in writing using a sentence frame.
Advanced Tier: Students analyze real-world datasets (sports statistics, currency exchange), identify proportional vs. non-proportional relationships, and justify their conclusions with statistical reasoning.
Checkpoint Assessment: Visual sorting task (all tiers): Match ratio representations (tables, graphs, equations) to real-world scenarios; adjust tier difficulty by quantity and complexity of distractors.
Example 2: 8th Grade ELA — Character Analysis Essay
Foundational Tier: Complete a character web organizer with word bank and image support; write 3 sentences about one character trait using a provided sentence frame.
Grade-Level Tier: Analyze character development across 2-3 key scenes; write a 5-paragraph essay with thesis, evidence, and explanation; peer review using a rubric.
Advanced Tier: Analyze how author's craft (syntax, figurative language, dialogue) reveals character complexity; write an analytical essay making connections to theme and author's perspective.
Extension Task: Rewrite a scene from another character's perspective; analyze how the characterization shifts.
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with complete differentiation framework and when-to-use guidance:
- Lesson Plan Template with built-in tiers, scaffolding sequences, and assessment checkpoints:
- Standards Translation Checklist to align objectives across foundational/proficient/advanced levels:
- Differentiation Strategies Quick Reference for pairing tasks with access points (modality, complexity, pace, independence):
- Formative Assessment Toolkit with checkpoint designs, exit ticket templates, and data capture forms:
- Unit Planning Workflow showing how to sequence differentiated lessons over 2-4 weeks with gradual scaffold release:
Who It's For
- Middle school classroom teachers (grades 6-8) planning unit-level instruction for mixed-ability classes
- Special education co-teachers designing inclusive lessons that serve students with IEPs alongside grade-level peers
- ESL/ELL specialists creating linguistically scaffolded lessons for English learners at varying proficiency levels
- Intervention teachers identifying and planning targeted small-group supports during unit planning cycles
- New teachers building their differentiation repertoire and avoiding the trap of creating three separate lessons
Best For
- Unit planning cycles (4-6 week blocks) where you can batch-design lessons with differentiation built in
- Standards-based instruction in math, ELA, science, and social studies where achievement variance is highest
- Mixed-ability inclusive classrooms and co-taught settings where one lesson must serve 3+ learner profiles
- Formative assessment design—embedding quick checks throughout lessons to monitor progress by tier
- Scaffolding sequences—planning how to gradually release supports as students build competence over a unit
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