Communication with parents can be difficult to navigate. When I was starting out in the classroom I was sending email after email or making phone calls home. The good news is that I found a way to send out helpful and updated information using editable newsletters. There are two versions to choose from one is a PDF and the other is Google Slides and now they have a huge UPDATE! I also want to share with you my top four items to include in your next newsletter!
Important Dates or Reminders
When creating your newsletter it's a great idea to have important dates or reminders. I would typically put upcoming school events/fundraisers, field trips, days off, testing dates, or student birthdays. Putting all of the information in one place made it much easier for parents to remember.
Student Learning
Parents want to know what their child is learning about. Adding some key highlights to the editable newsletter helps them stay in the loop. You can break it up by subject area or by weekly themes. It truly helps alleviate parents asking, “What are you learning about in school?” and the student responding, “I don't know.” Rather, parents can have an active learning conversation with their children.
Ways to Help at Home
Every time I met with a parent one of the main questions I would always get asked is “how can we help at home?” Some things you can include in your newsletter would be technology apps, resources, suggestions, or simply remind parents to read nightly. Reading a book for 20 minutes each night has so many benefits!
Wish Lists
Utilizing your newsletter is a great place to let parents know if you are in need of any supplies. I remember getting to the mid-year mark and we were always out of tissues, pencils, hand soap, or wipes. You even have the option to share your Amazon wish list if you have one. As a side note, I would always let parents know donations were never required but always appreciated!
If you happen to be more tech-savvy and want to create an electronic newsletter you have the option to use smore.com. Start by creating a free account and once your newsletter is ready to go it can be emailed out to parents or added to your class website! All of your class information will be easily accessible and in one place.
Try following these four steps in your next class newsletter and l know it will make your parent communication much easier! Comment below and share if you have any other suggestions that you put in your newsletter!
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