Throughout the year, East Granby Public School faculty, staff, and administrators have focused professional development revolving about district and building goals, departmental and grade-level needs, and technological advancements. Best practice, as recognized by the state of Connecticut, provides for small group and individual learning. Our teachers might delve into project-based learning with their grade-level team -- or take a class with a nationally-recognized educational organization. At the same time, others might get hands-on instruction in the computer lab with a new platforms, while colleagues down the hall are doing a deep study on how Reading/Writing Workshop brings words alive for children.  As educators, we must model the principles of what it means to be lifelong learners. Below is a sampling of what we've been working on recently.

All teachers and paraprofessionals in East Granby Public Schools have received training in Google Classroom.  If you are new to the district, welcome! We will be reaching out to you to set up 1:1 Tech Coaching Sessions (along with any other PD needs you might have).

Videos:

Tutorial for Parents & Students: A Nice Overview on Google Classroom. This was shared out with parents, but some may have not looked at it during those overwhelming first days of closure.

A short video of a teacher showing you her Google Classroom for a Special Education Class

A thorough article, with video, for teachers regarding Google Classroom

How to use Read and Write for Google to make voice comments on a Google Doc (NOTE: You will need to download the Read and Write extension...see video above)

A blog is about teaching through distance learning, with some excellent points

Instead of using *67 to block your number, you can set up a Google Voice account. You can then use your cell phone to make calls without students and families seeing your real number. After downloading the free app, it should only take a few minutes for setting up your new Google Voice account. 

NOTE:  YOU MUST USE A PERSONAL GMAIL ADDRESS, NOT YOUR SCHOOL ONE.

For iPhone - OR - For Android (Also works on iPads, Tablets, or MacBooks. Just do a quick Google search for updated directions!)

What is a Choice Board?

Also called Learning Menus - Some examples

Using Choice Boards to Increase Student Ownership