Yanalie Stevens

Head of Lower School

 

Have you ever watched a child’s eyes light up the moment something suddenly makes sense? As teachers, those are the moments we strive for – the spark of understanding that fuels confidence and curiosity. But not every child arrives at that point in the same way or at the same pace. That’s where adaptive teaching comes in.

What is adaptive teaching?
Adaptive teaching is the practice of making small but powerful adjustments in the classroom to ensure every child can access the learning. It doesn’t mean writing thirty different lesson plans or lowering expectations. Instead, it’s about being responsive – noticing when a pupil is struggling, when another is ready for a challenge, and making tweaks in the moment so the lesson works for everyone.

This is different from the older idea of “differentiation,” which sometimes implied separate activities for different groups. Adaptive teaching is more dynamic: the teacher has the same learning goals for the class, but uses different routes to help each child reach them.

Why it matters in our schools
At our international schools here in Spain, children bring a wonderful range of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences. Some are fluent English speakers; others are still building their confidence in the language. Some excel in maths, while others shine in creative expression. Adaptive teaching allows us to honour that diversity while keeping the British curriculum at the heart of what we do.

Since 2024, our SEN (Special Educational Needs) departments have been leading work across the schools to embed adaptive strategies in everyday teaching. The aim is simple but ambitious: no child should feel left behind, and every child should feel stretched.

What it looks like in practice
So what does adaptive teaching look like day-to-day? Often, it’s the small, thoughtful changes teachers make:

  • Asking a question in two different ways so all pupils can engage.
  • Providing visual prompts alongside spoken instructions.
  • Breaking down a complex task into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Offering optional extension challenges for children who grasp a concept quickly.
  • Allowing pupils to show their understanding in different ways – a diagram, a written explanation, or a verbal response.

None of these changes require reinventing the lesson plan, but together they create a classroom where every child has a way in.

The benefits
For pupils, adaptive teaching builds confidence and ensures that learning feels achievable yet exciting. Children are more engaged because they see that their teacher understands their needs.

For teachers, it brings flexibility and professional satisfaction – the chance to respond creatively in the moment rather than being locked into rigid plans.

And for parents, it means reassurance: your child is seen as an individual, and their learning journey is supported with care.

Looking ahead
We are proud of the progress made since we have implemented adaptive teaching strategies in our schools. Teachers are sharing strategies, celebrating successes, and reflecting on what works best. Our next steps include ongoing professional development and building stronger links with families, so parents feel empowered to support adaptive approaches at home.

A shared journey
Adaptive teaching is not about perfection – it’s about responsiveness, inclusion, and making sure every lesson counts. We are excited to continue this journey together, ensuring that every child, whatever their starting point, has the opportunity to thrive.