If you're reading this, you're probably already a fabulous techie teacher who is also a nighttime blogger, so class blogs are a cinch for you. But if you don't have one yet, here are some reasons why you need to create one immediately!
I don't know about you, but I'm huge on parent communication. The last few years, I'm fortunate enough to have parents who have access to technology. However, I've taught at 2 Title I schools and still created a class blog so at least students could access it at school. Class blogs are amazing for so many reasons. They keep parents informed, parents have the opportunity to look at photos, no more “I lost my homework” excuses, students have access to websites for extra practice at home, saves paper, and basically anything else you want!
I've created a new class website every year {must be the over achiever in me}. Rather than use the same one over and over, I like to make each one unique. Plus, it's easier for the privacy of your students.
- An “About Me” page makes you human and gives parents a little glimpse into your life
- The “Student Websites” page is the most popular. I update it with different websites that reinforce the skills being taught in class. Take a screen shot of the website, upload it to your blog, then link the website or game to the photo. Great for primary students because it's visual!
- I have to supply my own paper this year and I'm trying to do everything I can to cut back. So…my monthly newsletter is now online. I take a screen shot of it. Then I upload it to Google docs and make it public. I link the document to the photo and parents have a quick, downloadable version {By the way, you can do this with any document: homework assignments, writing paper, etc.}!
- I'm also a big fan of the “homework” section because now {fingers crossed} I won't get the typical “I lost my homework assignment” on Thursday when they know homework is due on Friday. I upload various homework assignments that we use throughout the year. I give a weekly “Tic-Tac-Toe homework packet and students choose the activities they want to work on. In this section of the blog, parents can download the different assignments. It's great because homework stays consistent, but the words change weekly. So I don't have to update this section often.
- Finally, make sure you get parent permission to post photos. And, make your blog is private to protect the privacy of your kiddos, you never know who's out there!
I'd love to hear your success stories in the comment section. Happy classroom blogging!
If you have a very creative mind I am sure making website every year is just a piece of cake. I've been dying to build one in my own even but doesn't have the time nor the knowledge to have it finished. I find it very complicated. Hope I'd be able to build one though this year.
http://it.spinnert.com/kinder-touch/home.html
Hello. I do love your pink bus background on your blog!
I started a blog last April because I was seeing all these amazing blogs and thought that I would like my voice to be heard. Plus, I wanted it as a way to keeps parents informed.
I encourage the other teachers in my building to start blogs, but they always claim that their lives are "too boring." I think you can make anything exciting. More importantly, you're a role model for your students. Most of mine moan and groan every time they have to write – that's why I started my dog blog.
I think it's great that you're encouraging teachers to start a blog – great post for the New Year. Also, I entered the giveaway already.
Happy New Year!
I'm looking for your "student websites" page. Do you have a link to them or your class blog? I tried opening the pictures but they just open as a screen shot. Thanks!