Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Dr Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
---mid-January '09 Edition--- (current subscribers: 21,266)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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: Find lyrics to songs the kids like and have a sing-along
with Youtube. Silvia Alcarz, pre-K. Sun Valley Elem. SWISD.
Teacher Tip #2: I use portable / rolling laundry baskets for the storing of
each class' paper (baskets are stacked w/4 to a set).
No name, workshop participant, San Antonio TX.
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: Economic hardships tend to lead to relationship
problems in families and marriages, which then often leads to
children floundering in school and acting out. The children of families
in economic trouble are not bothered by the lack or reduction of
material goods, but by their parent's anger and withdrawal. Communities
need to support prevention problems which help educate parents on how
financial problems spiral to affect the family and how staying connected
in the community helps them fare better through tough times.
DeAngelis, T.(2009).Monitor on Psychology, Vol 40(1), 32- 35.
HOT TOPIC #2: Researchers at Vanderbilt University conducted a large
random survey of 1st grade teachers around the US regarding classroom
writing instruction. Based on their results,they make the following
recommendations: 1. increase the amount of time students write.
2. Increase time spent writing expository text. 3. provide better balance
between time spent writing, learning writing strategies, and teaching writing
skills 4. more emphasis on fostering students' motivation for writing
5. develop stronger connections for writing between home and school
6. make computers a more integral part of the writing program .
Cutler, L. & Graham, S. (2008). Journal of Educational Psychology,
Vol 100 (4), 907-919.
More Hot Topics at the websites!
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------SECTION THREE: WEBSITE UPDATES------
at HELP4TEACHERS.COM and BRAINS.ORG
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===NEW Layered Curriculum® Units:
Ginny Barker at Knob Noster Middle School (MO) sent in two
6th grade math units.
===There is a new Book Study Kit to go along with my book,
Differentiating the High School Classroom. It comes with books,
a Facilitator's Guide and a Brains.org exclusive powerpoint CD
covering Layered Curriculum®. Order it online at:
http://help4teachers.com/books.htm
===There is a short downloadable (and free) video tutorial on the
homepage of Help4Teachers that addresses one of the most frequently
asked question: "Where do I start with Layered Curriculum®?" Available
for PC formats, you can find it in the right column at: http://help4teachers.com
===NEW & RECOMMENDED BOOKS
*HOW THE BRAIN INFLUENCES BEHAVIOR - a new book by David Sousa
is now available at Brains.org Shop. http://brains.org/store/index.htm
*Layered Curriculum® text / workbook sets at:
http://help4teachers.com/books.htm
* "THE SUCCESSFUL EDUCATOR'S GUIDE TO EARNING EXTRA INCOME".
-- A break from my usual topic of differentiation - this book addresses another
side of the educator's world. You can get more information and / or order a
copy of the book at: http://www.brains.org/teacherincome/
For recommended books on a variety of subjects specific to education, visit:
http://brains.org/store/index.htm
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------SECTION FOUR: KATHIE'S EMAIL------
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Kathie - I have just recently learned how to make Layered Curriculum units
and I love it. My students are somewhat in disagreement with me, but
they are coming around. Here are the two units I have made that work for
me. I teach 6th grade math. If you have any comments I would welcome them.
Ginny B., Knob Noster, Mo.
===================================
Ginny - These are great!! Thanks so much. I love this A layer item:
Write a one page fictional story about a world with no fractions.
Did any of your students choose that? Thanks again for sharing. - Kathie
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------SECTION FIVE: WORKSHOPS / SCHEDULE / MISC------
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Happy Inauguration Day! Words are mighty handy most days for
expressing our thoughts and ideas, but occasionally some thoughts and
feelings are too big to be expressed with mere words. Today is one of those
moments. And so I must be satisfied by simply writing that it is truly a great day.
This week I'll head off to Henderson, Nevada to work on Layered Curriculum®
with the teachers at Greenspun Junior High, then back to Brooklyn for
a day at the Brooklyn International High School.
New workshops are in the making for Ohio, western New York, south Texas,
and Ontario. As things are confirmed I will post details and registration contact
information on the website at: http://help4teachers.com/calendar.htm
I have one opening left in the spring of 2009 calendar and my fall 2009 calendar
is now open. So if you are looking to schedule a workshop for your school or
district - just send me an email (kathie@brains.org)
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)
