All Preschool workshops will be held at Marshall Middle School. Marshall Middle School is located at 15 Floyd St., Billerica, MA
Lunch will be available onsite for $5 (cash only).
Session 1: 8:30-11:30
PS1: Behavior Management for Students who Struggle: Dr. Dennet Sidell
Participants will examine reasons for unexpected student behaviors and look at strategies for effectively responding to these challenging behaviors in the early childhood classroom setting. We will look at how to collect data on student behaviors as well as how to create behavior plans to be used in the classroom. We will look at how to enhance the emotional development of children as well as how to create opportunities to build social skills. Effective strategies for collaborative problem-solving, conflict resolution and family involvement will also be addressed.
PS2: Understanding Autism in the Classroom: Shelley Green
Participants will learn about the cognitive deficits associated with children with an ASD diagnosis and how those deficits impact the way these children function in the classroom. Participants will also learn how to use the visual modality to teach concepts in a way that makes sense to children with an ASD diagnosis. There will also be time allotted to address group social activities that help students with ASD participate more optimally.
PS3: Introduction to Google Forms for Beginners: Jen DeFrancesco
Would you like to learn about Google Forms, but are unsure about how to get started? This workshop will show you the basics of Google Forms and how to create, modify, and use Google Forms to collect and organize student data, as well as to create easy questionnaires and simple assessments. Pre-Requisites: Participants should bring a laptop or iPad to be able to follow along on how to create Forms. Participants will need a Gmail account and be able to open their Google Drive prior to the workshop. Participants should be comfortable with how to operate a computer, but do not need to be proficient in Google.
Session 2: 11:30-12:00 Networking
12:00-12:30 Lunch
Session 3: 12:30-2:00
PS4: Supporting Emergent Writers: Amy Brennan
Writing is basic tool for learning as well as for communicating. Even our youngest learners can have the experience to develop a basic knowledge of the writing process. The focus of the workshop will be on using shared and interactive writing to develop emergent writers. The workshop will also look at what the writing continuum looks like at the preschool level. Educators will leave the workshop with a basic understanding of the writing process in preschool, ideas and strategies to use in their classroom, and materials they can take back to their school.
PS5: Read Aloud like a Pro: Noelle Boc
We’ll discuss tips, tricks and ways to really engage your listeners during story time. Great books to use and movement activities will be explored to maximize making an impact with students.
PS6: Using Google Forms in the Preschool Classroom (For More Experienced Users): Jen DeFrancesco
This workshop is geared to participants who are familiar with, and comfortable navigating Google Drive, but who want to learn more about Forms and some of it’s advanced features. Google Forms will help you reduce paper and sticky note clutter, allow you to leave those clunky portfolios at school, streamline your data collection, and share important student information with others. Pre-Requisites: Participants should bring a laptop or iPad, and know how to access your Google Drive. Be ready to create Forms together, or modify current Forms you may already have.