Using Social Media to Keep Parents Informed

The family has really evolved over the last fifty years.  Whether we believe for better of worse, the fact remains the same: it has evolved.  Many families keep very hectic schedules.  Both parents work, the kids are involved in all types of activities, and seems as if there is less and less time for communication.  Face to face communication has been replaced with texts, Facebook posts , and tweets.  Again I say that this is not necessarily a bad thing, just something that we have had to adjust to.  I do believe that families can still be close and know about each others lives, it is just that the media being used is different.  So with that being said, we as teachers need to adapt as well to help keep the parents of our students informed.  We need to establish Facebook and twitter accounts, create blogs, and use Google tools to a stronger capacity to keep our greatest stakeholders, the parents of our students, informed.  The information is readily available through theses media outlets, and allows the parents to get the knowledge at their convenience, around their schedule.  Not all parents can get off work for a conference, PTA/PTO, or open house.  But I would say most of not all have access to one if not all of these previously mentioned social media outlets.  Whether it be a school calendar, lunch menu, assignment due date, or who won homecoming queen; the parents can be informed.  Sure it may take a little more of your time, but keep the parents informed and feeling good about their child's education will save you time in the future.

My future. Gage and McKenzie