I have tried many different ways of communicating out to my classroom parents throughout the years. I have done the blogging thing and I had also created a website. Both demanded time and work but I was able to share with the families of what their child was up to at school. As I was preparing for this new school year, I thought about what do parents have access to in their hands that would be easier for me to manage. Facebook came to mind. Everybody has a Facebook account, right? I took that leap and created a private page that about half of my parents belong too. I'm finding it A LOT easier to maintain and keep up. I almost wish all my parents were on there, but not everybody does Facebook. Posting pictures, our newsletter and upcoming events seem to get the parents attention and again, it's right in the palms of their hands. So right now, I'm sticking with Facebook until and I find something better.
This school year, my principal expressed interest in getting a Twitter account for our school building. She doesn't use it much herself, so it's going to have to be something we need to get used too. We are just wondering if most of our families would follow us. We are a low income school but as we talked, the majority of or parents have smart phones, so it may not be a concern. We will give it a try and I'm going to check out the hashtag website. I'm going to make it my goal that Bertha Barber goes live for the next school year and the world is going to know what the #bbbobcats are doing!
I'm trying to get better with all this technology. There's only so much a teacher can do! ;)
Great job getting your class Facebook page up and running! I love the classes in my building that have Facebook pages. I am able to see daily activities that I may not have ever known about. All of our buildings are so spread out and we are all so busy that I rarely got into other rooms. I feel connected to classes with Facebook!!!
ReplyDeleteJodi--Yes, yes, yes starts using a hashtag (I like the one you picked) to share what your students and the students at your school are doing. Go ahead and share the hashtag with all your teachers and parents and see where it goes.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for starting a Facebook page! And you are spot on when you talk about that fact that many people have Facebook or Twitter in the palm of their hand so why not use the tool to share!
Great post and thanks for sharing!
Way to go, Jodi! Having an open mind to new tools and finding tools that meet your needs is key to establishing an online presence. I love that you are constantly seeking better ways to connect your classroom and develop the community as well as finding a way for your school to have an online presence too. Facebook is so commonly used now, it is the perfect way to connect to parents. I love how just one change can make a big impact on your school community.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!
Ann