Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
---January '08 Edition--- (current subscribers: 20,034)
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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
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SECTION ONE: Teaching Tips -
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Teacher Tip # 1: I keep a "pocket chart" with 3 or 4 ideas for students
to do if they finish assignments early. It's titled "What to Do Next".
This way they always have something to do. It contains things such
as: 1. Write a note to a friend. 2. Choose a new book. 3. Organize
your desk. - No name. Illinois workshop participant.
Teacher Tip # 2: I'd like to add to a teacher tip in the mid-October issue.
I used that same strategy (finding typos in publications) for my literacy
kids. The rewards for finding typos in books was just verbal recognition
with some emphasis or an occasional treat. By the end of the year, the
literacy kids were beating the regular students in finding typos. I am
thoroughly amazed at how precise they were. Kathy D., email.
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: More than half of all 8th graders have experience with
alcohol. Studies show that children who drink prior to age 13, increase
their chances of having an alcohol dependence as adults by 38%. Alcohol
use in adolescence is a serious problem. Besides contributing to
thousands of deaths each year, alcohol use is blamed for an increase in
other at-risk behaviors. Prevention is tricky due to the differences in
the way adolescents' brains operate. Successful prevention comes
from parent- school cooperative projects which monitor behavior and
provide alternative activities. Meyers, L (2008). Monitor on Psychology,
Vol 39(1), 14.
HOT TOPIC #2: Violent video games may cause more violent behaviors
in children than watching violent television and movies. Researchers
have been studying the thoughts, emotions and behavior of young
people who regularly play violent video games. Even brief exposure
can increase feelings of aggression. Students who spend significant
time with violent video games in junior / senior high school do exhibit
more aggressive behavior. The interactive component to the games
gives them a greater impact than watching violence on television.
Anderson, C & Dill, K. (2007). Journal of Personality & Social
Psychology, Vol 78(4).
More Hot Topics at the websites!
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SECTION THREE: Website updates
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******From HELP4TEACHERS.COM********
New Layered Curriculum® Sample Units:
** Dan Hodge in Greenwood, SC sent in a 7th grade unit on "Cells & Heredity".
** Sid Ready in Nebraska also sent in a science unit on Cells.
You can see all the samples at: http://Help4Teachers.com
please share them with us! Just email them to kathie@brains.org.
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********From BRAINS.ORG: ***********
The Brains.org Shop has a great selection of my most recommended
books and teaching aids. We carry the most popular books on
differentiated instruction, brain-based teaching and exceptional students
as well as colored overlays, full spectrum lights and electronic sound
machines for teachers looking to create a quiet corner in the classroom
with a sound curtain.
Our shop also carries Layered Curriculum® texts and workbooks at our
exclusive direct discounted price. Every order is handled individually
by a real human - and yes, we do take Purchase Orders. We appreciate
your business. http://brains.org/store/index
SECTION FOUR: Kathie's Email
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Kathie,
I'm attaching the next unit on Cells and Heredity. I have changed
from a schedule for each day to a partial schedule at the first of the unit
and choices in the second part. I went over this with the students
today and they are excited about the unit. One of the things that
appeals to them is the choices they have and the increased amount
of video and internet activities.
Is there a way that we can post the handouts and PowerPoint activities
we use? I see a lot of stuff in the sample units I would like to use, but
don't have a way to get them. Or could we share email addresses and
be able to share the materials that way? Just a thought.
My students are walking down the halls with a bit of a swagger. I'm the
only teacher in the school at present using the Layered Curriculum,
although one of the other science teachers is about to implement
my Chemistry unit this 9 weeks. My students realize that they are doing
more work, better work, and more independent work than other students.
I am having students from other clusters asking if they can be transferred
into my class! Thanks again for Layered Curriculum! It has added
energy and enthusiasm to both me and my students.
Dan B. Hodge, B.A., B.S., M.Ed., Brewer Middle School, Greenwood, SC.
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Dan,
Thank you once again for sharing your units and your enthusiasm.
In the past, it's been difficult to post many of the ancillaries teachers use
with units due to copyright issues (many of them are publisher produced).
But I'm happy to post email addresses on sample units if you are open to
answering questions from teachers. I know many teachers use the
discussion forum for this as well.
Again - thanks for staying in touch. - Kathie
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Dear Kathie, I read the stress and memory item on your website and
would be very interested in reading more on this topic. I was recently
told that medical research on the internet is not necessarily the latest.
So ... could you point me in the right direction for further updated info.
Thank you. Michele B, Chesterton, IN
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Hi Michele, You are correct in that much of what may be generally
found on the internet may not be current nor valid. You'll want to
read peer-reviewed journal articles for the latest research on anything.
(and unfortunately even that may sometimes be dated, but it's the most
current available.) These journals can be found in your university library
or if you have access to a university library database, you can get them
online via your university's library website. Best, Kathie
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SECTION FIVE: Workshops/calendar schedule/misc
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some time off around the holidays and you are energized once again.
It's "election day" here in New Hampshire and I must say it will be nice
to have the telephone stop ringing off the wall after today. (For those of
you not in the US, New Hampshire hosts the 1st of the presidential primary
elections and we are inundated with phone calls from all parties involved
for several weeks leading up to the election). It is an exciting time to be in
New Hampshire though.
I am enjoying a little time off the road this month. I just finished a Facilitator's
Guide for my text, "Differentiating the High School Classroom." The guide
is now in press and should be released in a few months. Thank you all for
making the book so incredibly successful.
We have a few new differentiating with Layered Curriculum® workshops scheduled
for this spring and fall. Registration information is posted on the calendar
page: http://help4teachers.com
a workshop.
I will be offering an On-Line, Training of Trainers seminar this spring. I know
many of you have been asking for that for years and it looks like it will finally
happen. If you have been to a Layered Curriculum® workshop and have
been designing and implementing units in your classroom you may be
interested in becoming a licensed Layered Curriculum® trainer. If so, send
me an email and I will get details out to you.
Wishing you a joyous, healthy and happy 2008.
As always, my best to you and yours,
Kathie
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Workshop information is available at the website
http://help4teachers.com
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
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Dr Kathie F Nunley
Layered Curriculum(R) . . . because every child deserves a special education (tm)
