These tips were contributed by the educators and parents of Edutopia’s community in response to our Start the Year Strong Sweepstakes. There were many amazing entries, and it was a challenge narrowing them down to these 32.
Dos and Don'ts of Classroom Management: Your 25 Best TipsEdutopia
Classroom management is a delicate balancing act often learned through experience and trial-and-error experimentation. Whether you're a new or experienced teacher, having strategies for effective classroom management is essential for creating positive, successful learning spaces (and staying sane!). In this guide you’ll find 25 tips for managing your classroom.
Schools and teachers want to develop partnership with parents. Strong communication is fundamental to this partnership. So, teachers must continue to develop and expand skills required to build a strong partnership.
Dos and Don'ts of Classroom Management: Your 25 Best TipsEdutopia
Classroom management is a delicate balancing act often learned through experience and trial-and-error experimentation. Whether you're a new or experienced teacher, having strategies for effective classroom management is essential for creating positive, successful learning spaces (and staying sane!). In this guide you’ll find 25 tips for managing your classroom.
Schools and teachers want to develop partnership with parents. Strong communication is fundamental to this partnership. So, teachers must continue to develop and expand skills required to build a strong partnership.
Teaching is a very important job and once you get your classroom management skills in order you will be enjoying teaching more and will have a more productive teaching career.
The most important element of classroom management is allowing your students an opportunity to understand that your rules are a part of giving them the best education possible.
25 Attention Grabbing Tips for the ClassroomEdutopia
Whether you're a new or experienced teacher, strategies for getting student attention are an important part of your classroom-management toolkit. In this presentation you’ll find 25 tips for quieting a noisy class.
Teacher Tested Strategies for Differentiated InstructionEdutopia
Most educators agree that differentiated instruction can dramatically help students to succeed, but good differentiation needs careful planning to make sure students of all abilities are engaged and it can be a challenge when teachers are already so pressed for time.
That's why we searched the Edutopia community for tips and strategies that can help with differentiating instruction.
School Discipline and Classroom ManagementR.A Duhdra
After studying this unit, the trainee teachers can be able to
*Define school discipline and classroom management
*Appreciate the needs and importance of positive schools discipline
*Indicate the principles and techniques for classroom management.
Classroom Management Success is a turnkey intervention strategy for establishing and sustaining an orderly environment so students can engage in meaningful academic learning, it also aims to enhance student social and moral growth. Classroom management is a multi-faceted activity. It extends beyond some of the more traditional behavior management techniques frequently recommended to deal with students with disruptive behavior. The aim of Classroom Management Success makes sure that teachers are doing the following:
-develop caring, supportive relationships with and among students;
-organize and implement instruction in ways that optimize students’ access to learning;
-use group management methods that encourage student engagement with academic tasks;
-promote the development of student social skills and self-regulation; and
-use appropriate interventions to assist students who have behavior problems.
This program is based on proven and time tested techniques and principles that have been implemented in the book, “The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher,” by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary Tripi Wong. Classroom Management Success promotes an orderly learning environment for students. It enhances students’ academic skills and competencies, as well as their social and emotional development. Classroom Management Success principles work across a number of subject areas and grade levels.
The information and material needed to implement this system in your classroom has already been done for you. You may access the required materials at http://www.lewisseals.com; go to the Blog and click on “Classroom Management Success.” There you will find printable student infraction cards, pink slips, a classroom management plan, an action plan, and a PowerPoint presentation. The plan is simple but yet powerful and will give positive results.
http://www.lewisseals.com
Presentation at the Korea TESOL Busan Chapter meeting of June 8 2013. See handout at http://www.slideshare.net/RobertDickey/portfolio-handoutjune2013dickey
The experience of a teacher can greatly enrich student community. A teacher must always recognize and extend appreciation to the students when they achieve their goals. A teacher always should willing to take risk to teach the children
19 Proven Tips for Getting Parents Involved at SchoolEdutopia
Experts agree that parent involvement in their children's education is one of the biggest predictors of student success. This guide offers 19 proven strategies for increasing family engagement and strengthening the home-to-school connection. These recommendations were contributed by the educators and parents of the two great communities at Edutopia.org and GreatSchools.org.
Teaching is a very important job and once you get your classroom management skills in order you will be enjoying teaching more and will have a more productive teaching career.
The most important element of classroom management is allowing your students an opportunity to understand that your rules are a part of giving them the best education possible.
25 Attention Grabbing Tips for the ClassroomEdutopia
Whether you're a new or experienced teacher, strategies for getting student attention are an important part of your classroom-management toolkit. In this presentation you’ll find 25 tips for quieting a noisy class.
Teacher Tested Strategies for Differentiated InstructionEdutopia
Most educators agree that differentiated instruction can dramatically help students to succeed, but good differentiation needs careful planning to make sure students of all abilities are engaged and it can be a challenge when teachers are already so pressed for time.
That's why we searched the Edutopia community for tips and strategies that can help with differentiating instruction.
School Discipline and Classroom ManagementR.A Duhdra
After studying this unit, the trainee teachers can be able to
*Define school discipline and classroom management
*Appreciate the needs and importance of positive schools discipline
*Indicate the principles and techniques for classroom management.
Classroom Management Success is a turnkey intervention strategy for establishing and sustaining an orderly environment so students can engage in meaningful academic learning, it also aims to enhance student social and moral growth. Classroom management is a multi-faceted activity. It extends beyond some of the more traditional behavior management techniques frequently recommended to deal with students with disruptive behavior. The aim of Classroom Management Success makes sure that teachers are doing the following:
-develop caring, supportive relationships with and among students;
-organize and implement instruction in ways that optimize students’ access to learning;
-use group management methods that encourage student engagement with academic tasks;
-promote the development of student social skills and self-regulation; and
-use appropriate interventions to assist students who have behavior problems.
This program is based on proven and time tested techniques and principles that have been implemented in the book, “The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher,” by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary Tripi Wong. Classroom Management Success promotes an orderly learning environment for students. It enhances students’ academic skills and competencies, as well as their social and emotional development. Classroom Management Success principles work across a number of subject areas and grade levels.
The information and material needed to implement this system in your classroom has already been done for you. You may access the required materials at http://www.lewisseals.com; go to the Blog and click on “Classroom Management Success.” There you will find printable student infraction cards, pink slips, a classroom management plan, an action plan, and a PowerPoint presentation. The plan is simple but yet powerful and will give positive results.
http://www.lewisseals.com
Presentation at the Korea TESOL Busan Chapter meeting of June 8 2013. See handout at http://www.slideshare.net/RobertDickey/portfolio-handoutjune2013dickey
The experience of a teacher can greatly enrich student community. A teacher must always recognize and extend appreciation to the students when they achieve their goals. A teacher always should willing to take risk to teach the children
19 Proven Tips for Getting Parents Involved at SchoolEdutopia
Experts agree that parent involvement in their children's education is one of the biggest predictors of student success. This guide offers 19 proven strategies for increasing family engagement and strengthening the home-to-school connection. These recommendations were contributed by the educators and parents of the two great communities at Edutopia.org and GreatSchools.org.
Dos and don'ts of classroom management your 25 best tipsChelariu Mihai
From
http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/dos-and-donts-classroom-management-your-25-best-tips?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=discussion-do-and-donts-class-manage-pres-title-image
Discussion 1An important step in preparing our classrooms and cu.docxelinoraudley582231
Discussion 1
An important step in preparing our classrooms and curriculum is getting to know our students as individuals and building a relationship that is reciprocal and characterized by trust. Jaruszewicz (2013) discusses the importance of building individual connections, stating that
Building trust requires connecting with each child on a personal level, so that they know you care about them and what happens to them, are curious about what they think, and firm with them when they need guidance. These things give children the emotional security they need to share with you their impressions, confidences, questions, and fears—information you can use to develop, adapt, and personalize whatever curriculum you use to best represent what your children know and do. (Jaruszewicz, 2013, section 3.3, para. 32)
Notice how Jaruszewicz emphasizes that knowing the students as individuals allows for designing individualized curriculum which is more aligned with their needs. In this discussion, we explore the importance of building trust with students to gain insights into how to best meet their needs in an education environment.
Initial Post: After reading Chapter 3 of your text, the Tips for Developing Positive Teacher Student Relationships article, and the Reciprocal Relationships article
· Discuss one or more strategies you will use to gather information on your students in an effort to get to know them and their family (interest inventory, home visit, etc.). Include the benefits of the strategy and use a specific example of how you plan to implement it in your classroom.
· Reflect on the reading, “Tips for Developing Positive Teacher Student Relationships.” Discuss two approaches you will use to build trust with each of your students and why you believe these approaches will be effective.
· Reflect on the reading, “Reciprocal Relationships.” Discuss two approaches you will use to build trust with families and why you believe these approaches will be effective.
· Discuss one or more strategies you can use to prepare your classroom to represent the students, such as through a family bulletin board or a community college. Support your strategies with the text and at least one scholarly resource.
The best teachers are capable of maximizing the learning potential of every student in their class. They understand that the key to unlocking student potential is by developing positive, respectful relationships with their students beginning on the first day of the school year. Building a trusting relationship with your students can be both challenging and time consuming. Great teachers become masters at it in time. They will tell you that developing solid relationships with your students is paramount in fostering academic success.
It is essential that you earn your students’ trust early on in the year. A trusting classroom with mutual respect is a thriving classroom complete with active, engaging learning opportunities. Some teachers are more natural at.
KIND AND CARING CLASSROOM
Presented by Emmanuel Mann Rentoy in Colombo, Sri Lanka on November 19, 2022
Educational and Social Initiatives
www.characterconferences.com
mannrentoy@gmail.com
How to Create a Twitter-Driven School CultureEdutopia
Many educators use Twitter for professional development but can it also be used to create a strong school culture? In this interactive session, you'll hear from schools that have successfully used Twitter to increase collaboration and transparency. We'll show you how to get started.
20 Inspiring Reasons Why You Love to TeachEdutopia
We were so inspired by our audience's responses to a quote on Edutopia's Facebook page, we collected twenty of our favorites as a reminder for why teaching is such an amazing and worthwhile profession.
37 Ways to Help Kids Learn to Love ReadingEdutopia
A love of reading doesn't happen automatically. It needs to be nurtured and guided until it flourishes into a well-read, well-rounded human being.
That's why we put together a presentation of some of our favorite ways to help kids learn to love reading, gathered from the contributions of Edutopia's educators and parents.
Edutopia Webinar: Social and Emotional Learning: Making a Case in an NCLB WorldEdutopia
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important -- there's no doubt of that. But it takes more than those basic academic skills for students to grow into happy, successful adults.
As educators know well, children also need to learn self-esteem, self-discipline, and strong communication skills in order to succeed in school and life. But it's easy for those essential lessons to get lost in the race to raise standardized test scores.
In this session, two pioneering educators and a national education leader explain why social and emotional skills deserve time and attention -- SEL has been shown to raise test scores -- and how they provide it effectively in their schools.
Host: Grace Rubenstein, senior producer, Edutopia
Presenters: Tim Shriver, Chairman of the CASEL Board of Directors, Sheldon Berman, superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, Kentucky, and Kati Delahanty, English teacher, Charlestown High School, Boston
For more information, including an archive to the webinar, please visit: http://www.edutopia.org/social-and-emotional-learning-webinar-february-2010
December 10, 2009:"Creating a Strong School Culture: Inspiration from Houston...Edutopia
Presenters: Chris Barbic, founder of the YES Prep Public Schools, Mark DiBella, school director at YES Prep North Central, and Mayra Valle, a senior at YES Prep North Central
Target audience: Ideal for teachers and administrators interested in strengthening the culture at their schools
Anyone who has worked in public education knows that school culture can make or break the experience. Great teachers, programs, and practices succeed best only with a culture that supports them. In Houston's YES Prep Public Schools, educators put culture front and center, and it's a major force behind their success. Teachers support each other and constantly seek to help their colleagues improve. They build relationships with students to help them thrive even under the schools' rigorous demands.
The end result: happy teachers, and hundreds of low-income students becoming the first in their families to attend college. There's no magic involved -- just good ideas, dedicated people, and deft execution. In this session, YES Prep leaders explain what they do, how they do it, and how you can put some of these ideas in action at your school, too.
November 17, 2009: "Lessons from Abroad: International Standards and Assessme...Edutopia
Presenter: Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Teaching and Teacher Education, Stanford University
Host: Kathryn Baron, features producer and research editor, Edutopia
The world's top-performing school systems are said to be the model for new Common Core standards. Learn about the assessment systems in these countries, and how the results challenge the status quo in the United States.
February 12, 2009 Edutopia webinar: "A New Day for Learning: How to Cultivate...Edutopia
Host: Milton Chen, executive director, The George Lucas Educational Foundation
Presenters: Hillary Salmons, executive director, Providence After School Alliance (PASA), and Karen Dvornich, continuing education coordinator, NatureMapping
Discussion and exploration of A New Day for Learning, which showcases model programs that engage students in the array of learning opportunities inside, and outside of, the classroom. You'll walk away from the webinar with lesson plans, best practices, and tips you can implement in your school, your school district, or your community.
April 9, 2009 Edutopia webinar: "How the Brain Learns Best: Strategies to Mak...Edutopia
Host: Grace Rubenstein, staff writer and multimedia producer, Edutopia
Presenter: Judy Willis, middle school teacher and neurologist and authority on learning-centered brain research and classroom strategies derived from this research
Neuroscience is a complex field that educators don't often turn to for inspiration, but knowing a few basic concepts can help you plan teaching strategies that will prompt your students to be more receptive to learning. Find out how introducing a few simple techniques to your craft -- and increasing some of those you may already employ -- can encourage productive learning and actually change brain chemistry, increasing children's ability to learn (and retain) new skills and information.
June 4, 2009 Edutopia webinar: "Engaging the Digital Generation: Insights fro...Edutopia
Host: Amy Erin Borovoy, coordinating producer, Edutopia video.
Presenters: Nichole Pinkard, Founder, Digital Youth Network and director of Innovation, University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute and Vicki Davis, Teacher, blogger, and IT director at Westwood Schools
Today's students use digital media in ways hardly imaginable just a few years ago, revolutionizing how kids create, collaborate, and teach one another. Join us for a stimulating discussion with innovative educators, parents, and students from the Digital Generation Project as they share practical tools and strategies for engaging the digital learner.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
CLASS 11 CBSE B.St Project AIDS TO TRADE - INSURANCE
32 Strategies for Building a Positive Learning Environment
1. 32 Strategies for Building a
Positive Learning Environment
from the Edutopia Community
2. Introduction
There are many ingredients that go into making a positive learning
environment. Three key ones are good relationships, clear communication,
and trust between all participants.
In this presentation you’ll find 32 strategies for building these three
attributes. They were contributed by the educators of Edutopia’s community
as part of our Start the Year Strong Sweepstakes.
You can join Edutopia’s community at edutopia.org/community.
3. Break the Ice
Tip: Participate in the first-day icebreakers
“I always do silly icebreakers and team builders with my students to get them
out of their comfort zone from the beginning and help the classes really mesh
together. I participate when I can, so I build their trust and they can see a bit of
the human side to me. The students love to be able to laugh with (and
sometimes at) you!”
—TulaczCan
4. Summer Recap
Tip: Share your summer stories and ask students to share theirs
“Be ready to share your summer stories. Plan ahead and make a Prezi,
Animoto or class wiki to display for the class. It's a great way to introduce
yourself and to build a rapport with your new class. This also shows students a
productive and appropriate use of technology.”
—kcaramat
5. Bragging Rights
Tip: Ask parents to write an introduction for their child
“On the first day I ask parents to send me an email or letter that tells me "in a
million words or less" about their child. I always write or call thanking them for
taking the time to do this. Some letters make me cry, some make me laugh
until my sides hurt, some say only three words. But I read these letters at least
once a quarter (sometimes weekly)...It helps me to see them in a different light
and reminds me why I love going to work each day.”
—trishl972
6. Pen Pals
Tip: Write an introduction letter and ask for one in return
“For all of my 30+ years, I have written my students a letter telling them about
me. I ask the students to write me back for their first assignment. I always try to
talk to each of them about something I learned from reading their letter.”
—Cheryl P
7. About Meme
Tip: Use humor and internet memes to explain rules and
expectations
“Each year I do up a quick slideshow that includes some things about myself
(like hobbies and interests) and I include memes from the internet that has
class and school rules. They always love it, I use grumpy cat with the title
‘when you are speaking while I am speaking.’ The kids get a kick out of it and
its a relatable way to share the rules and expectations for the year.”
—Margaret Anne
8. Reach Out
Tip: Seek support from colleagues and fellow educators
“This job is WAY too hard to do alone…Stay in touch with those who support
and build you up! If those people are on Twitter, on blogs, in your school or in
the Edutopia community, don't fall off the radar! Reach out and be a part of a
larger teaching community, whether you join the conversation or just listen, you
will find people who are having the same struggles and successes as yourself
and they will build you up!”
—Justin Aoin, Math Teacher, Greensburg, PA
9. Be Present
Tip: Savor the sweet, gratifying teaching moments
“Be present and savor that inner thought that says, "Yep, this is exactly why I
became a teacher!" Remembering those moments will get you through the
tough ones.”
—Sarah Glazier
10. Creative Space
Tip: Allow the students to help decorate your classroom
“Instead of students walking into a classroom already decorated, allow the
students to decide where to hang posters, pictures, etc. Give them some
ownership over what the room looks like, and you start the year off with instant
investment.”
—Daniel Hendrix (Dhend017)
11. Student-Driven
Tip: Have your students brainstorm topic and project ideas
“To lay the groundwork for student-led discovery and learning we start the year
by asking students what they want to learn and do. We do a brainstorming
activity to get their ideas for projects...My job is then to integrate those ideas
and requests into the curriculum -- which in science is absolutely possible!”
—Anuradha Gupta (Ms. Anu), Washington, DC
12. A Page-Turner
Tip: Create a clever take-home with your contact info
“On Back to School night when I meet all of the parents, I am going to have a
laminated bookmark for each of them with my contact information. This way
they can keep in touch easily!”
—Amy Coan
13. Going Green
Tip: Go paperless using digital forms (like Google)
“I use a Google Forms to collect parent demographic info, student interests,
medical issues, etc….I can access it from anywhere [and] call or email parents
any time I want. It really made beginning of the year paperwork so much
easier!”
—Mrs. Gillam, Third Grade Teacher, HI
“Have your parent contact sheet done digitally. That way it's always at your
fingertips, saves paper (go green!) and makes you look really cool!”
—saleiterman, 8th Grade Science Teacher, Little Rock, AR
14. Newsworthy
Tip: Have your students create a monthly newsletter to take
home
“My students do a class newspaper each month to keep parents involved and
let them know what we are learning etc. The students have a sense of
community that inspires them to do their best. Our class paper is called Tiger
Times because our school mascot is a tiger. The students love it.”
—Angela Fowler
15. Social Buzz
Tip: Utilize a social media channel to connect with students &
parents
“I'll be creating an Instagram account for my class. I'm always snapping
pictures anyway, and this will be an effective way to share the photos with
students while having them think about what they've done in and outside of
class.”
—Ahlam
16. Social Buzz 2
Tip: Utilize a social media channel to connect with students &
parents
“Create a class twitter account and post photographs and descriptions of
activities you are doing in the classroom. Parents don't need a twitter account
to get updates! They can get updates sent directly to their phones through text
messages (by texting your twitter handle to 40404). Parents can get an inside
look into your classroom all year!”
—Donna DiFilippo, Secondary Mathematics Teacher
17. Oh My Blog
Tip: Create a classroom blog full of class and outside resources
“Keep a classroom blog. This works well...as you may post celebrations of
classroom successes, digital project guidelines/rubrics (preventing the excuse
that a student lost the hard copy and the project is due!), study guides, links to
classroom LiveBinders, and enrichment activities parents can do with their
children...Many blogs are free and parents and students enjoy finding
something new that relates to what is going on in their classroom.”
—L. Krenicki, Middle School History Teacher
18. Remind
Tip: Use the free app Remind to stay in touch
“Use the free app Remind to increase and improve communication with your
students' parents! It is safe; phone numbers are kept private. Send text
messages, photographs, documents, PDFs to keep them informed. Remind is
available as Android and iOS apps.”
—Katherine B.
19. Let’s Get Digital
Tip: Create a digital space online for all class materials
“I would suggest digitization of all class materials, even if your school or district
doesn't host a class web page or otherwise provide support for online
resources. For example, teachers could expand their online reach by creating
social media pages (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) on which they can publish
test and tutoring reminders, issue last-minute scheduling changes for projects
or reading assignments, and answer homework questions one time for the
benefit of all.”
—arogers91
20. Valued Individuals
Tip: Help each student feel like a valued part of the group
“As much as teachers want to dive into content on the first day, we should
always begin by establishing relationships and building community. There's
plenty of time for teaching the material. Take the time to make a great first
impression. Let them know that you value each student for what he/she has to
offer. Do a team-building activity that gives each person a chance to contribute
to the group.”
—Michael Farabaugh, Chemistry Teacher, Charlottesville, VA
21. Share the Excitement
Tip: Show your excitement! It will rub off on your students
“Start the year enthusiastically. Let it show in everything you say and do that
first week to your child/students. Smile, let them see you're glad to be back at
school and that you're glad they're there with you.”
—Richard Walker, Fifth Grade Teacher, Millbrae, CA
22. A Positive Mindset
Tip: Strive to maintain an optimistic mindset
“You must be committed to have a positive attitude throughout the year!
Whether it be from students, parents, or colleagues, we can easily get bogged
down; but keeping a great attitude will help you stay strong and have a
successful year.”
—Froggybek
23. Through a Parent’s Eyes
Tip: Treat your students the same way you’d want your own kids
to be treated
“Every August, I take time to pause and reflect on what it was like to be Mom
when my sons went off to school. My youngest has autism and I remember
worrying about how the day would go for him...When I meet my new students, I
hold onto that memory and try my best to treat each child the way I would have
wanted my own sons to be treated. This has worked very well and puts me in a
frame of mind to look for the positives that each child brings.”
—Grace Clune
24. Find the Good
Tip: Search for the best qualities in every student
“Decide you are going to find the good in each and every student you have this
year, and then make it a goal, for each and every day, to make someone's
day.”
—Mary Williams (williamsmary138), High School Chemistry Teacher
25. Nothing is Perfect
Tip: Be forgiving and enjoy the possibilities
“Remember that you and your students are only human. You can plan, map,
and research all summer, but once those kids get in the room anything can
happen. You don't have to have everything together on day one. This is one of
our (teachers at least) favorite times of the year--when everything and
everyone is brimming with possibility--so ENJOY IT!”
—Amy Hirzel (TheWordyTeacher), Secondary English Teacher, OH
26. First-Day Memoir
Tip: Have your students write a short first-day memoir
“On the first day of school, I place a sticky note on my students' desks and
have them write a 6-word memoir about their first day of 8th grade. We read
each one and post it up on a poster board in the room. It gets them working,
thinking, and sharing; plus, it instantly personalizes your classroom walls for
your kids.”
—Jaimie Dubuque
27. Start from Scratch
Tip: Take the time to teach/reteach how-to’s
“I know it sounds weird but...assume the students know nothing...No matter
how much grumbling I get, we are going through lessons on: how to ask for and
give help, how to share knowledge, how to work, how to collaborate...This idea
came from an article entitled ‘The First 20 Days’ and I have to tell you that--
even with block scheduling in High School--this is working wonders and
building the classroom of accountability, respect and rigor that I have always
strived for.”
—Leah Luchsinger
28. Reconnect
Tip: Have a BBQ, picnic, or social event before the new school
year starts to reconnect and build camaraderie
“Start the year with a school-wide picnic one week before the first day of class.
Just an informal get together without set schedule so everyone can reconnect
and come and go as their own needs and schedule dictates.”
—Stan Gould, Cincinnati, OH
29. Parent Outreach
Tip: Build positive parent relationships early
“Make contact with the parents early, make sure it is positive. When you need
to touch base with them for something troubling [later on] it always helps to
have built a relationship early on.”
—Champaign Teacher
“I call every parent with a positive phone call right away. No parent ever
expects it and it sets a good tone for the rest of the year...Changes the whole
dynamic of the parent-teacher relationship.”
—Recknagle
30. The Giving Tree
Tip: Create a “giving tree” or wish list for classroom supplies
“For Open House or parent night...What donations could your classroom really
use? Make that information available to parents. Create a "giving tree" with
tags parents can grab while they tour your room.”
—Andrea Kuhlthau, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
31. All Friends Here
Tip: Use inclusive language to emphasize friendship and
community
“Use the [word] ‘friends’ when talking about others instead of classmates or
students. It sets a positive tone that these are their friends in the room.”
—SaraU
32. Staff Rockstars
Tip: Make friends with your school staff members
“Treat your school secretary & classroom custodian like gold & your school
year will be smooth sailing! After all...we know who runs the school. :-)”
—Pat Melvin
33. Calm Mornings
Tip: Take 5 minutes of “me” time to start off your morning
“Teachers and parents, set your alarm so that you will have five minutes of
"me" time in the morning. Use that five minutes to calm and center yourself
using whatever works best for you: meditation, sipping coffee, reading,
stretching, anything that works. By starting out with a few minutes of calm, you
will be better prepared for the crazy day ahead.”
—Mrs.Free
34. Recharge
Tip: Take some time after the first few weeks to recharge
“Sometime in the first couple of weekends after the beginning of school,
arrange a retreat of some type for yourself...Go on a weekend retreat, a spa
day, the beach, the mountains, the desert, wherever you can to ‘get away from
it all’ before you become snowed under with work and to let out that huge sigh
of relief after you get past the first couple of days. Unplug from the world.”
—Duane Fitzhugh
35. Additional Resources
More tips from Edutopia:
● Edutopia’s Home-to-School Connections Resource Roundup includes articles, videos, links, and
other resources that offer strategies and advice for creating positive parent-teacher connections.
● Suzie Boss’ Creating a Welcoming and Intellectually Challenging Classroom
● Gwen Pescatore’s Parent Communication Toolbox
● Peruse the Back to School Board on Edutopia’s Pinterest page
36. Special thanks go to the educators
who contributed to this guide.
For more tips and tactics, visit edutopia.org.