Differentiated Thinking

Last night I was reading my new book on differentiated instruction in the classroom. As I was reviewing its' introduction and getting a refresher in the definition my mind started to wonder. Why is there different instruction? Why can't I just sit in front of the class and give all students the same instruction, using the same words and writings on the board. As soon as that thought was asked, it was answered. The answer is: You can't! Children come to you with so many backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Just one style of lesson or approach is not going to reach all students. So we have to adjust and challenge ourselves as educators to help students with their wide range of strengths and weaknesses. I have talked with some "experienced" (to be polite) teachers about education. There overall response is that education is not what it was 10 years ago. Sure, what is the same today as 10 years ago, probably not much. I know I am not the same person I was 10 years ago. We have changed and we have to change for the new student in the classroom. The new or "experienced" teacher has to ask or re-ask themselves why is it you are in education. Is it so you are comfortable or is it to make your students comfortable in the information you present? Pondering this, makes me feel uncomfortable. To think if I haven't rethought how I can differentiate my instruction to best meet the needs of all my students then I must reevaluate my reasons for teaching. No one said it is easy, but I believe that seeing that light bulb come on in a child's head makes all the hard work seem easy.