Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
---October 2006 Edition--- (current subscribers: 17,923)
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News and updates to http://brains.org and Kathie Nunley's
Layered Curriculum (R) Site for Educators: http://help4teachers.com

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SECTION ONE: Teaching Tips -
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Teacher Tip # 1: When coming up with rubrics, I choose a couple of
things that I will grade them on. The student then gets to go to rubistar
and pick out 3 other things they want their project graded on. They like
getting to "pick" what they will be graded on. Pam Petersen, York, Nebraska.

Teacher Tip #2: On Open House night, I've noticed students and
parents are never quite sure what to do, so I hand all the kids a
"scavenger hunt" welcome check-list as they enter with their parents.
This helps everyone understand all the things they can see in our room
and in our school. The kids and their parents work on checking off the
items on the list. Dave Wright, 4th grade, Wilkins Elem., Amherst, NH.

Teacher Tip #3: I save plastic milk caps which I cover with large Avery stickers.
I use these for practice of skills like vocabulary, math facts, sight words, etc.
The kids love the manipulatives. No name, South Dakota.

Send your favorite teaching tip to me at Kathie@brains.org
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SECTION TWO: Hot Topics
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IHOT TOPIC #1: Researchers at the University of Colorado are suggesting
that schools could better serve children with dyslexia, by adopting a
strength-based ecological approach to working with these students as
opposed to the current deficit-method of conceptualizing dyslexia.
Rather than viewing the condition as a weakness within the child, an
ecological approach considers the child along with the systems within
which he/she interacts when making assessments. Actions center on
identifying systems that impact the child's ability to be successful.
D'Amato, R et al (2005). Neuropsychology Review, Vol 15(2), 97-103.

HOT TOPIC #2: At least 70% of obese adolescents will remain
significantly overweight as adults. Preventions and programs aimed
at preventing obesity in children need to come early. In a review of
intervention programs offered over the last 25 years, researchers found
the most effective were programs that targeted weight control alone
(as opposed to programs that discussed a variety of health issues
such as weight, smoking, heart disease, etc) and programs delivered
by professionals rather than school teachers. Even so, nearly 80% of
programs were ineffective. Those few that made a difference were very
intense and regimented. Males and pre-adolescents were unaffected
by any program. Shaw, H. & Marti, C. (2006). Psychological Bulletin, Vol 132(5).

More Hot Topics at the websites!

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SECTION THREE: Website updates
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**Effective this issue, you are receiving this newsletter via a new internet
server. This may require you to add this receiving address to your list
of approved email if your ISP filters your email.

**We need MORE sample Layered Curriculum unit sheets. It's time
to update our samples page. I meet so many of you each month with
a wealth of experience in Layered Curriculum - it's time to share a unit or
two!!! I'd like to try to add one unit to each of the grade / subject categories
this month to post at: http://help4teachers.com/samples.htm
So, email your units to me at: kathie@brains.org


GUIDE TO OUR WEB PAGES & FAQ:

Have a question about Layered Curriculum(R) ?
Post your question at: http://help4teachers.com/forum.htm

Need a copy of the Layered Curriculum(R) TEXT or workbook?
Discounted copies are available at: http://help4teachers.com/books.htm

Need recommended reading on Brain-based learning in general:
Visit our online shop: http://brains.org/store/index.htm
We carry a wide range of books on brain-based learning, including our
very popular "Differentiated Instruction" bundle of books, as well as
those hard-to-find colored overlays. We now have a new discounted
bundle of books specifically for High School teachers.
Yes, the shop accepts school Purchase Orders and we work with
campus bookstores and other resellers on textbook orders.

Where are we located?
We're at 54 Ponemah Road in Amherst, NH. You can reach the shop
electronically at books@brains.org or via fax: 208-979-0678.

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SECTION FOUR: Kathie's Email
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Hi Kathie, I am a Special education tecaher and we are attempting to provide
for students in a mixed ability classroom. I love your model, and I don't see
a need for me to reinvent the wheel. Have you had much trouble solving the
'highest grade they can earn" approach with IEP grading modifications? For
example. A child working at the "C' layer can only earn a "C" but their IEP
indicates they are to be graded based on overall quality of their work. I hope
you can reply to me as I am : Sleepless in West Springfield

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Hi Sleepless,
I never have problems with students from the SPED population - even in
full inclusion classrooms. I'm not sure why you are limiting them to the
C layer? All students should be moving through all 3 layers. They may
have a lot of assignments to complete in the C layer to earn their points, as
the assignments they choose may be lower point assignments, but
make sure that they are attempting the B and A layer too - I always have
found our resource teachers to be awesome at helping the kids with
these layers. So, will it take them extra time outside of class?
Perhaps - but that's OK too. No one should be allowed to work only in
the C layer. - Kathie

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Help! I noticed some sample units had a designated day for the choice
assignments in the C layer, but no time frame for B or A. What is a
reasonable expectation to complete the higher level assignments?
Keri

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Keri,
I think it depends on your assignments and how much you emphasize
each layer. Obviously if your B layer is the most heavily weighted it
would probably take more time than the C or A layer. Just ask yourself,
which area is most important in my subject / grade - basic knowledge,
application/demonstration, or critical analysis? A general rule of thumb
though is to keep each unit to no more than 2 weeks. - Kathie

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SECTION FIVE: Workshops/calendar schedule/misc
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Most of us find autumn to be the best season of the year, and I'm certainly in
that boat. I LOVE the fall. Of course, living in New England, it's nearly a
mandate. Our days are crisp and cool and the reds and oranges are filling
my office windows. My two youngest boys took me apple-picking last weekend
so those are drying into rings and fill the air with their seasonal fragrance.
I'll take this opportunity to wish my Canadian friends a Happy Thanksgiving
and best wishes that you find many things in your life to be thankful for.

I had a wonderful time revisiting Newfoundland last month and look forward to
getting some Layered Curriculum units posted from the teachers there.
I also want to thank the educators in Iowa for their very warm welcome for me
at the Risky Business conference in Des Moines last week.

October will take me to Howell, Michigan and Greensboro, South Carolina to work
with teachers on Layered Curriculum. It will also take me to Dallas, Texas to
help my Dad celebrate his 70th birthday.

We've got new workshops in the planning for Ontario, Iowa and Tennessee.
I'm opening my August 2007 workshop calendar for those of you planning for next
school year. Let me know if I can check something for you.

Otherwise I'll sign off this issue as always, wishing my best to you and yours,

Kathie
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Workshop information is available at the website
http://help4teachers.com/workshops.htm
or
call: 603-249-9521
email: kathie@brains.org
Brains.org and Help4Teachers is located at:
54 Ponemah Road
Amherst, NH 03031

Layered Curriculum(R) is a registered trademark owned and developed
by Dr. Kathie F Nunley. Usage information available at:
http://help4teachers.com/usage.htm
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- posted by Kathie @ 8:43 PM