The modernization of primary education requires the use of pedagogical approaches that take into account the individual characteristics, educational needs, cognitive abilities, and learning pace of each learner. In this context, a differential approach in mother tongue education becomes one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of instruction, ensure learner engagement, and create favorable conditions for the development of linguistic, communicative, and creative competencies. This article examines the pedagogical foundations of a differential approach in primary school mother tongue education from theoretical and practical perspectives. The study is based on the analysis of pedagogical, psychological, and methodological literature devoted to individualization and differentiation in education, as well as on the interpretation of didactic principles relevant to the organization of mother tongue lessons in the primary grades. The article clarifies the essence of differentiated instruction, identifies its pedagogical principles, and substantiates its significance in teaching reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and speech development. Special attention is given to the role of learner-centered education, cognitive diversity, motivation, scaffolding, and the teacher’s methodological competence in organizing effective differentiated instruction. The article also discusses the criteria for grouping learners according to their educational needs and the methodological conditions necessary for implementing differentiation in classroom practice. The results show that a differential approach increases academic performance, strengthens language acquisition, develops independent thinking, and supports positive learning motivation among primary school pupils. The findings confirm that differentiated instruction in mother tongue education is not merely a methodological alternative, but a pedagogical necessity in the context of contemporary educational reform. The article concludes that effective implementation of a differential approach depends on the scientific organization of instruction, diagnostic assessment of learners’ abilities, flexible selection of tasks, and the integration of developmental, communicative, and competency-based methods into the teaching process.  

Differential approach, differentiated instruction, primary education

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