Thing #3

The first thing that pops to mind is using the blog to open a dialog with the parents. I don't know if it would be likely for daily updates but maybe at least on the weekends. I am sure that a general schedule is given out to the parents in regards to the class, activities, assignments, etc. If your teaching a younger room it might be helpful to have a more current, weekly update posted on the blog. Yes, there are always letters home to the parents, but in the new era of a "greener planet" it would be wonderful if we could cut down on some of the paper. I would start the year, with a letter (yes, ironic) or in the initial open house/meet and greet, by outlining my intensions. I would ask that the parents take some responsibility to check the blog on the weekends. I would also encourage that they comment, interact, and try and be more involved with their children's education. For example, when given a year long schedule at the onset of the new school year, Joey's mom might not remember that on week 17 they will be studying plants. But if she checks weekly, at the end of week 16 she will see that they are studying plants the following week and might spend the weekend with Joey out in the garden or go for a nature walk and set the stage/interest for the coming week. Maybe Suzie's dad works in at a nursery and sees the blog, responds, and asks if he could come visit the class, bring plants, and talk about his job. I understand that for the most part the same might be achieved by e-mails. I do believe in a little bit of competition though. If I had sent out an e-mail to all the parents they would not know what one another responded with. This way they can see that other parents are responding and interacting more and it might drive them to interact more. This could also foster new friendships, finding things in common, Joey and Suzie might not get along in the classroom, but if their parents learn that they share a common interest in plant/nature and decide on a play date at the park, it role models for the children the building of a friendship.

In regards to an older class, I believe that I could use the blog as an interaction between them, their parents and the teacher. I know, from personal experience, that the most common response to "what did you lean today?" is "nothing." If the parents know what went on from the blog a more direct question like "did you find Romeo and Juilet interesting?" can potentially instigate an actual discussion.