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News and updates to http://brains.org and Kathie Nunley's
Layered Curriculum(R) Site for Educators: http://help4teachers.com

~~The NO-MEMBERSHIP-REQUIRED website which blends current
psychology research with education.

You can subscribe to this newsletter at: http://help4teachers.com/newsletter.htm
Unsubscribe & EMAIL CHANGE information link at the bottom of this newsletter
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SECTION ONE: Teaching Tips -
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Teacher Tip # 1: [Regarding the individual white boards mentioned in the last
issue} The small white boards can be make from Shower (tempered white)
Masonite board that has been cut to 12" x 10" individual boards. The
students can use the boards to practice math or lettering. Use a Sharpie
marker to make guide lines for lettering. Then when taking a brief break
have the students make characters out of the numbers or letters they
were practicing. Bill Farmer, Ridgeway, VA

Teacher Tip # 2: I purchased 3 different colours of plastic hanging file bins
from an office supply store, lots of hanging folders and files to slip
inside. Student write their name on a folder and they are filed by
first name alphabetically. I use these folders if students are away, for notices,
returns, or handouts. If I find important things laying about I pop them in.
The bins can be set on a table or counter, or stacked, and even fit with
wheels, if you want to stack and roll them out of the way. For me, they work
great! Leslie Forsyth-Eno, Grade 7, Abbottsford, BC Canada.

Send your favorite teaching tip to me at Kathie@brains.org
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SECTION TWO: Hot Topics
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HOT TOPIC # 1: Educational Psychologists are beginning to see some
significant and positive research on Internet use and children. The pluses:
home Internet use improves standardized test scores in reading (the
biggest effect is with low SES populations), children develop complex
academic performance skills in what they perceive as a more "fun"
environment, online reading enhances skills that traditional book reading
does not, children with Internet access at home are more proactive in
getting help for themselves and reinforcing what is taught at school.
The downside: the lower SES children, who benefit most from Internet,
have the least access to it; children need a lot of help in critically
evaluating legitimate websites and using effective search techniques.
The general feeling among researchers is that American teachers are
lagging behind in professional development training to help students
effectively use the Internet. Other countries are putting a lot of time and
money into training teachers in this area. Packard, E. (2007).
Monitor on Psychology, Vol. 38(10), 44-46.

HOT TOPIC # 2: A new study out this month links childhood obesity to
another source - sleep deprivation. Third graders who sleep less than
about 10 hours a night, increase their risk of being obese by the 6th
grade. - a 40% risk increase for each hour. Researchers say the study
is one more reason for parents to restrict caffeine use in children and remove
televisions from bedrooms. While certainly not the only factor leading to
child obesity, ensuring proper sleep is one way to control weight.
Lumeng, J, et al. (2007). Pediatrics, Vol.120 (5), 1020-1029.


More Hot Topics at the websites!

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SECTION THREE: Website updates
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**********New Books, New Products********

**The new 2nd edition of the Layered Curriculum® WORKBOOK is available.
**We have several new book bundles including one for struggling readers.
**The new book by David Sousa, "How the Brain Learns Mathematics"is in.
**We now carry full spectrum light devices for your home, classroom or office.

View all my recommended books at: http://brains.org/store/index.htm

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SECTION FOUR: Kathie's Email
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Kathie,
I wrote you a few years ago about LC, but I never got the nerve to try
it. Over the past summer, I had time to sit down and work on some units.
I vowed that I would try it.

I have now completed two units. The first, Science Skills and Processes,
I used a daily LC plan. It was a way to get me comfortable with the format,
and to introduce the kids. We stumbled around a bit at first, but finally got
into the swing of it after a couple weeks.

We are just about to complete the second unit on Ecology. It has taken
15 days, and I have introduced the concepts of choices and planning.
I am also using Cornell Notes with the unit as part of the requirements.
I have seen a definite increase in time on task (because I'm not talking
at the front of the room as much), enthusiasm for class, and a marked
decrease in student misbehavior. I am putting together some data for
our principal, who visited last week and was amazed at how much the
kids are doing for themselves.

Thank you for LC! It has changed the way I teach and made teaching fun
and exciting again. It makes it possible to cover the state standards
and differentiate instruction for the sizable number of special education
students I have. The students are happier, I am happier.
~ Dan Hodge, Brewer Middle School, Greenwood, South Carolina

========================================
Dan,
It's notes like yours that keep me going! Thank you so much for
writing and sharing your success and enthusiasm. I see today that
you sent one of your units this week. Looking forward to hearing more
from you. - Kathie

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SECTION FIVE: Workshops/calendar schedule/misc
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Whew - October was an incredibly busy month here! I think I'm glad to
see November finally roll in. Thank you, thank you, Toronto, for playing
host twice last week for some Layered Curriculum® training. Looking
forward to more visits up there. Tomorrow I'm heading to Indianapolis for
the ISACS conference and then home for a few weeks to rest up.

New workshops are in the planning for Illinois, Ontario, and North Carolina.
As soon as I have details, I post them on the calendar page at the website:
http://help4teachers.com/calendar.htm

If you are looking to schedule a workshop for your school or district, I now have
my early fall 2008 calendar open.

As always, my best to you and yours,

Kathie
=================================================
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® is a trademark developed by and registered
to Dr. Kathie F Nunley. Usage information available at:
http://help4teachers.com/usage.htm
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