My classroom website is one of the most helpful pieces in my work to create strong partnerships with parents each year. It takes a lot of work in the beginning, but once established it is so valuable. Here is a breakdown of some of the highlights from my reading and research about effective classroom websites. If you would like to see how my classroom website is coming along you can check it out at: www.nsd.org/salbertson
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A CLASSROOM WEBSITE:
- · Once a day or a week, have students help you write your classroom newsletter. This can be as simple as you calling on students to describe what they have learned that week while you type their quotes into a Word document. Then you can add these ideas into your classroom blog or newsletters posted on your classroom website.
- · Create a “Curriculum and Pedagogy” page on your website. Share aspects of the curriculum that you teach and how you teach it. Explain how the way you teach benefits students and what units or topics you cover. When you are coming to a particular unit (especially in social studies or science) link parents into other websites about the content area so that they can have meaningful discussions at home with their children.
- · If you are comfortable, adjust the format of your newsletters to be an online blog. That way parents can post comments and questions and benefit from each other’s ideas. You will need to post and/or verbally lay down some ground rules about posting respectful content.
- · Create a page of online learning sites. Students who are difficult to reach through traditional classroom instruction often enjoy learning through technology. The trick is finding quality learning games online.
- · Pages to consider adding to your classroom website:
o Calendar: School events, classroom activities and important due dates
o Photo Album: Especially working parents feel much more linked into school when they can see images of the students working collaboratively or independently.
o Weekly Schedule: Even if you don’t follow it exactly, parents like to know what types of subjects are being taught and for how long.
o Classroom Volunteering: How can parents help out in your classroom? Add a PDF of the background check form so they can download and turn it in independently.
o Classroom Supply Lists: What does the student need to bring to school?
o Things To Donate to Your Classroom: A list of things that are always used and appreciated when parent donate.
o Ways To Prepare Their K Student BEFORE School Begins: Resources and activities to be ready for the first day.
o Discipline Policy: How do you support positive choices? What do you do when there is a serious problem?
o Links to Other Important Staff Members Contact Info/Websites
ONLINE RESOURCES:
