In order to differentiate effectively, you need to know your students – their strengths, weaknesses and circumstances.
Same with creating lessons and examples that are interesting to students and relevant to their lives. You need to find out what your students like – what excites them.
An easy way to start getting to know your students is to talk with them as they arrive each day. Ask questions and engage them in conversation.
You can also conduct “interest inventories,” or, surveys. Below are links to a few, but don’t hesitate to create your own.