“I didn’t know about the permission form.”
Despite our best efforts, communicating with parents can sometimes be perplexing. Our low tech standbys of monthly calendars, daily agendas, and notices posted in windows get the job done for many families, but there are still a number of families that miss important information. Low tech, though very simple to use, often has limitations of what can be effectively communicated. Technology has made it easier to ensure all parents receive information and to see their child’s learning. At Langley Meadows Community School teachers have been experimenting with a number of different tools this year.
Our all time favourite, with many teachers on board is the Remind app. It is an app that allows parents to join their phones to a teacher’s network allowing the teacher to send texts without giving out their phone number. This app has been a big hit because the message goes right to parents’ phones and doesn’t require them to have or check their email. Teachers have used it to inform parents about homework, project due dates, up coming events, permission forms, etc. Everyone has loved the simplicity and convenience of this tool.
Parent communication is always evolving and thanks to technology it is becoming easier and more convenient for many teachers. The better the communication, the better the relationship.