You are a Nutrition student.
It’s time to
start a new
vocabulary
unit.
Your teacher
hands out a
vocabulary
list.
Which activity would YOU choose?
 Re-write the list
(RED)
 Create flashcards
(BLUE)
 Illustrate a
picture
(YELLOW)
 Record the
vocabulary words
on your MP3
player (GREEN)
 Complete a
crossword puzzle
(ORANGE)
 Find & underline
the words in a
reading (BLACK)
Giving Students Choice in
the Classroom:
LAYERED CURRICULUM
INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL
Some findings from brain research
NOVELTY is
important
Stress makes
it difficult for
us to
remember
information
Some findings from brain research
The brain
relaxes if we
have
CHOICES
What is the Layered Curriculum model?
“Dr Kathie Nunley's Layered
Curriculum® is a simple method
for differentiating instruction in
classrooms for all grade levels,
and remains the only
differentiated instructional
method ORIGINALLY designed
for high school classrooms.”
“Based on current brain-imaging
information, Layered Curriculum
is a fun and effective studentcentered teaching method. This
3-layer model of differentiated
instruction encourages complex
thinking and holds students
highly accountable for their
learning.”
--help4teachers.com
Why Layered Curriculum? Why now?
Many
students are
disengaged
Why Layered Curriculum? Why now?
Students need
to develop
application &
critical
analysis skills
to deal with a
complex
world
Why Layered Curriculum? Why now?
One-size-fits-
all models do
NOT work for
today’s
diverse
students
Layered Curriculum as umbrella model
 Differentiated
instruction
 Cooperative
Learning
 Multiple
Intelligences
 Interdisciplinary
teaching
 Rigor & Relevance
The crux of Layered Curriculum is CHOICE
 You just
finished
reading an
article on fats.
With a
partner, create
3 follow-up
activities.
3 Levels of Layered Curriculum
1st -Level:
Basic
Knowledge &
Skills
2nd -Level:
Application
3rd -Level:
Analysis
1st -Level: Basic Knowledge & Skills
 General
understanding
of the topic
 Develop basic
skills
1st -Level: Examples
 Vocabulary lists
 Flashcards
 Illustrate
vocabulary
 Vocabulary
games
 Reading
comprehension
questions
1st -Level: Examples
 Station
activities
 Quia quizzes
 Online skills
practice
 Flashcards
2nd -Level: Application
Apply &
manipulate
information
and skills
2nd -Level: Examples
Create a
brochure
Create
postcard
Write a letter
to a friend
Write a poem
3rd -Level: Analysis
 Students think
CRITICALLY
about the content
 *Interdisciplinary
connections
 Open-ended
projects
3rd -Level: Examples
 ECONOMICS--
Create &
explain a
budget (in
euros) for a trip
you plan to take
to Spain.
3rd -Level: Examples
 HISTORY-Investigate
the influence of various
immigrant groups as
they came to the US
throughout the 19th and
20th centuries. Choose
5 words that became
part of American
culture due to the
contributions of these
immigrants.
3rd -Level: Examples
 ARCHITECTURE-
Choose one building
designed by Frank
Lloyd Wright in
Pennsylvania.
Describe it and
explain how it
utilizes five
mathematical
concepts and
incorporates local,
natural elements.
Unit Sheets
How Layered
Curriculum
model is
operationalized
st
Divided into 1 ,
nd
rd
2 , and 3
levels
Unit Sheets
Students
choose from a
variety of
assignments
in each level
Unit Sheets
 Maximum # of
points / section
 Students
complete
assignments
based on their
personal grade
goal
Unit Sheets
Each layer
will have a
due date.
Homework in Layered Curriculum Model
 Students
determine
what they
should do for
homework
based on
completion
dates &
deadlines
Assessment in Layered Curriculum Model
Use of rubrics
3rd -Level
assignments
graded like
traditional
projects
Assessment in Layered Curriculum Model
Regular
quizzes, tests,
performance
assessments
The UNIQUE
feature…
The Oral Defense
Students
PROVE what
they know in
one-on-one
interview with
teacher
The Oral Defense
Accountability
st
1
for -Level
assignments
Eliminates
busy work,
copying,
cheating
The Oral Defense
Student
chooses when
he/she is
ready for oral
defense
The Oral Defense
If a student
can’t explain
it, he/she
doesn’t get
credit
Some practical advantages…
 Students are in
control of their
grades
 Students
(parents) know
EXACTLY
what to expect