Dr Kathie Nunley's Educator's Newsletter
---February '09 Edition--- (current subscribers: 21,282)
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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: When students are busy in the lab, have them hand
you an index card with their name on it, when they need assistance.
This prevents them from following you around while you're with other
students, yelling your name, or sitting with their hand up. This way
they're assured to be "next in line". CJ Brocker OAISD (she got the
idea from Kathy Andrews at Muskegon CTC).

Teacher Tip #2: I keep "class pens" in the classroom. With floral tape,
I attach artificial flowers to the pens. They are just beautiful and the
students always remember they are borrowing it. They never leave
the room! Everyone is happy. Rebecca Gonzalez-Luna, 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: At last - some positive news from science seeking help
for spatial learning and working memory problems associated with aging.
While so far, it's only been tested on rats, a common vascular drug appears
to affect a gene called KIBRA which is involved in learning and memory
tasks in the hippocampus of young and middle-aged brains. The drug
dilates blood vessels in the brain and appears to be a significant cognitive
enhancer. At least in rats. Huentelman, M. et al. (2009) Behavior
Neuroscience. Vol 123(1), 218-223

HOT TOPIC #2: Middle schoolers who feel victimized by their peers, perform
poorly academically. Researchers found a similar relationship between
perceived victimization and poor academic achievement across all ethnic
races of children. The poor academics results from the child's lower global
self-esteem and their perception of themselves as less competent.
Thijs, J. & Verkuyten, M. (2008). Journal of Educational Psychology.
Vol 100(4), 754-764.

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:

**Trainer, Angela Kanerva sent 3 new elementary math units.
**Amanda Dempsey in Arizona, sent in a 5th grade Science unit.
**Jennifer Might, sent in a 2nd grade American History unit
**Kate Pawlik Helm sent a 7th grade Social Studies unit.

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Notes from the Bookshop
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===Need help getting started with training for your high school
teachers on differentiated instruction?
You might want to take a look at our very popular Book Study Kit:
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

*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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Hi Kathie,
I am reading your book and I am inspired by your thoughts and ideas!
Here is my first attempt at a Layered Curriculum® assignment. I went
with the diamond shape. I teach Grade 4 in Bermuda. Thank you for
sharing your knowledge and experience. Kind regards, Shanna-Lee Kerr.

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Shanna-Lee,
Thanks so much for sharing! There are many subjects where a diamond-
shape (or B layer-heavy) unit works best. Since kids find B-layer work
most enjoyable, it's great when you can put the emphasis there! I'll
get your unit posted soon. - Kathie

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------SECTION FIVE: WORKSHOPS / SCHEDULE / MISC------
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Happy February. Did I hear correct that Mr Groundhog saw his shadow
yesterday and that we're in for 6 more weeks of winter? Well, what's a
groundhog know about weather, anyway!? Personally, I'm still hoping
for an early spring. Each morning I listen for the call of the first spring birds
when I head out to milk. So far, nothing, but I'll keep you posted.

We had a terrific time yesterday in New York City at the Brooklyn
International High School. I have a whole new appreciation for how creative
teachers can be when faced with extremely diverse classrooms. You
folks are doing a great job! I look forward to hearing back from those of
you working on Layered Curriculum®.

Later this month, I'll be heading to Georgia to visit the teachers at Jones
County High School. We'll be working on differentiation with Layered
Curriculum®. New workshops are in the making for several locations.
As things are confirmed, I will post details and registration contact
information on the website at: http://help4teachers.com/calendar.htm

If you are looking to schedule a workshop for your school or district, my
fall 2009 calendar is now open. Just send me an email (kathie@brains.org)

As always, my best to you and yours,
Kathie

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- posted by Kathie @ 7:18 PM