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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: During discussion time, in order to give each child an
opportunity to speak, I have them hold an object. They talk while
holding it and when they are finished they pass it on.
No name, Illinois workshop participant.

Teacher Tip # 2: Some students just seem to need to "tap" to stay
focused. They tap pencils, rulers, markers, etc. Rather than allow
the noise distraction, I require that tapping must be done on something
soft. Either their own leg, or small pillows that I collect and leave out for
"tappers" and "fidgeters". C. Wright, Youngsville, NC.

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: Researchers in Toronto have released a study showing
that they have found numerous locations on the human genome that are
link to autism. The gene abnormalities are either DNA deletions or
total gene duplications and are not necessarily found in the parents -
indicating these may be random pre-natal mutations and not genetically
inherited predispositions. These genetic mutations can be tested for.
Many can be directly linked to specific behaviors such as a deletion on
chromosome 16 which leads to language delays. Canadian Press
(Jan 17, 2008) APA "Psychology in the News". Psychport.com

HOT TOPIC #2: Middle and High School students frequently are
unaware that history is a subjective interpretation of reality. Students
frequently see history as a series of stories to be memorized and
later recalled, primarily because it has traditionally been taught with
authoritative textbooks which present a single view. Professional
historians, however, use a combination of primary and other accounts
and then reason between the conflicting views. Students can be taught to
reason just as historians do. An interesting study out of Santa Clara
University did just that. Using middle grade students, they taught them
how to read and use sets of primary and secondary documents, collaborate
and write good argumentative essays. Students at all levels of academic
functioning wrote longer and more persuasive papers with more accurate
historical content. De La Paz, S. (2005). Journal of Educational
Psychology, Vol 97(2), 139-156.

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:

** Shiloh Crawford, in Las Vegas, NV sent us 4 new elementary math units.

** Tanya Stearney at TF South High School in IL sent in an RNA / DNA unit.

You can see all the samples at: http://Help4Teachers.com/samples.htm
Remember if you have an Layered Curriculum® units you have designed,
please share them with us! Just email them to kathie@brains.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
********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. We started stocking the sound machines as they are a
wonderful device for teachers looking to create a quiet study corner
in their classroom. I've also seen them used as a privacy shield for
IEP meetings.

Our shop always carries Layered Curriculum® texts and workbooks at our
exclusive direct discounted price. You'll be happy to know that each
order is charged and processed individually by a real human - and yes,
we do take Purchase Orders. We always appreciate your business.
http://brains.org/store/index.htm

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SECTION FOUR: Kathie's Email
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Hello Kathie, I teach health and PE in Indianapolis, IN. I am interested in
learning more about the Layered Curriculum and how I can use it in my health
classes. We are on block scheduling. Classes are 90 minutes long.
Any info. on the subject or where to start would be great. Thanks and I look
forward to hearing from you. Charlie P., Lawrence Central H..S
====================================
Hi Charlie,
Layered Curriculum® works GREAT on a block schedule - as that was
how it was originally designed. You might start by looking at the
samples other teachers have posted in the Health and Physical
Education section on the sample unit page at the website.
http://help4teachers.com/samples.htm and then start from there.
Best, Kathie

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Hi Kathie, I have been reading all I can on Layered Curriculum & am
attending your workshop at SVSU in Michigan. Would you give me an
example of what a Layered Curriculum would look like in a kindergarten
classroom? I am trying to incorporate this in my classroom, but would
like some assistance. Thanks for your time. Kathy M.

====================================
Hi Kathy, You will want to look at the samples page on the website
to see what other teachers have done for kindergarten. If you have
the Layered Curriculum® workbook, you'll see specific kindergarten
instruction on page 45 (if you don't have that, I think you'll get one
at the workshop). Most kindergarten teachers set the choices up
as centers and operate similar to a Montessori set-up but add the
layers of cognitive thought. See you in Michigan! - Kathie

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SECTION FIVE: Workshops/calendar schedule/misc
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I hope everyone is enjoying their January and that winter is being kind to you.
We've had more than enough snow here in New England, that's for sure.
I'll give fair warning to those football players from San Diego - it's going to be
mighty cold this Sunday when you come to visit our Patriots!

We have many open enrollment Layered Curriculum® workshops coming up
this spring and summer including our first one in a few weeks in Peoria, IL.
Right now we also have Fergus Falls, MN; Saginaw, MI; Lake Geneva, WI;
Hamilton, NJ; Montreal, QC; Fairbanks, AK; Buhl, ID and Lehi, UT.
Registration information is posted on the calendar page:
http://help4teachers.com/calendar.htm
I am opening my fall 2008 calendar, so please let me know if you need to
schedule a workshop.

Also, we will be offering a Training of Trainers seminar this April 18/19.
For the first time, it will be offered as an online course. If you have been
to a Layered Curriculum® workshop and have experience designing
and implementing units in your classroom you may be interested in
becoming a licensed Layered Curriculum® trainer. If so, more information
and an application are available at:
http://help4teachers.com/onlinetrainingapplication.htm

Enjoy the weekend as we celebrate our diversity with a day to honor
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

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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Dr Kathie F Nunley
Layered Curriculum(R) . . . because every child deserves a special education (tm)