Using Social Media to Connect with Parents

Don't run the other way just yet! After reading the title of this article, many educators may so NO, NO, NO! 

I believe connecting with parents is one aspect of teaching that we all need to master in order to have a successful year. As our to-do lists get longer, but time frames remain the same it can feel like our workload is impossible. Teachers do not have to make parent communication feel like a chore. Using social media to get information out to parents in a quick and timely manner may seem like the perfect solution, all while getting to incorporate technology into the classroom. 

As a new Twitter user, I can say I am truly enjoying the endless amount of tweets to read and access to new information. Imagine using Twitter to engage parents and keep them informed about what is happening in your classroom. Instead of using old school emails, teachers can create a class twitter account and have parents follow it. Tweeting out if there will be an upcoming test or when an important date is approaching can be so helpful to parents. Having them sign up on "Meet the Teacher Day", to ensure participation on the parent end is a great way to get the ball rolling. 

Instagram is another social media platform often used in the classroom. I have teacher friends that use it in their classrooms and say their parents love it! Uploading and sharing pictures of activities you do in the classroom is a great way to get parents involved in their child's education. Letting them see firsthand what is going on in the classroom is a luxury many parents wish they had. Giving that to them can help create a positive and inviting classroom culture as well. Although I do not have a class Instagram account, I do plan on implementing this next school year. I will update this post and let you know how it goes! 

In my eyes, staying connected with parents goes far beyond a note home or the occasional email. Small updates a couple times a week helps to have parents be informed about classroom activities, etc. A quick tweet about a math lesson that went well is sure to brighten a parents day. Leave a comment below telling me if you use any social media in your classroom; I'd love to hear about it! 

"The Art of Social Media"by mkhmarketing on Flickr
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/mkhmarketing/8468788107/