4 Tools to Stay Connected with Families this Summer

The end of the school year doesn't have to mean a disconnect between schools and families. Use social media and cell phones to keep the conversation going.  My fav four tools for doing this are:

1. Twitter
2. Facebook
3. Remind
4. Instagram 

Remember that if you go this route, send home a reminder to parents with how they can stay connected. Ideally you will give them one place to visit which links to rest.  

Wonder how these tools can help you and the families of your students? Here are some of ideas:

• Twitter
• Tweet summer book or game recommendations.
• Tweet a question families can reply to so you can get to know them or their children better i.e. favorite book or game.
• Facebook
• Post back to school supply list.
• Recognize student accomplishments in summer programs.
• Remind
• Remind families when school starts.
• Remind families of first day of school tips.
• Instagram Whether or not families speak English, they can understand a picture. 
• Share a picture of something you are reading.
• Share a video of you trying to learn something. The sillier the better.  

If this is of interest to you, you may enjoy watching a recording of my June 16th webinar moderated by Common Sense Education. 

In the webinar I give real examples from real teachers who are using these tools to stay connected with families. I also get great ideas from the nearly 200 participants who joined us from around the globe. You can view the webinar at: http://home.edweb.net/webinar/social-media-cell-phones-connect-families-summer.  You can access the presentation I created for the webinar at tinyurl.com/ConnectWithSoMe.