The Gift of Time

I met with a 7th grader this week who seems so much happier this year than last. When asked what's better she said her grades in math were A's and B's instead of D's and F's. When asked what has made a difference for her, she said this year she gets to work at her own speed in math. "Last year it went so fast I was confused a lot. This year I get to take the time I need to learn it."

I wonder how many students feel information is coming at them too fast to absorb? And then what about the students who tune out because new information isn't coming fast enough? How does one teacher meet the learning needs of both students?

I would love to hear how some of you do that.