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Saturday, July 19, 2014

Bright Ideas .... A Classroom Website ... A MUST have!


 

 Welcome to another edition of Bright Ideas! Aren't some ideas you've come across wonderful? Seriously!

How many times a day do you check your phone? How many hours do you spend on the internet? How long have you gone without having access to the internet? If you are like most people, technology is with you everyday. 

It is time to bring our classrooms online. Create an interactive classroom website.

Slide Share - technology quotes  Penina Rybak MA/CCC-SLP, TSHH CEO Socially Speaking LLC YouTube: socialslp Facebook: Socially Speaking LLC Website: www.SociallySpeakingLLC.com Socially Speaking™ App for iPad:  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/socially-speaking-app-for/id525439016?mt=8

I know, I know, it is one more thing that you have to keep up with. It is for the kids, so isn't it worth it?

I'm one of 4 teachers at my school that have a classroom website. 4! We're in 2014 people!

Are you ready to take the plunge? 
I promise it is worth it! It is really easy to get started. AND FREE!!!!!!

There are numerous websites out there that are free. I use weebly.com.  It is pretty user friendly. They even give you a glimpse at your stats. You can have numerous pages and even add pictures and documents. 

I created my website to be interactive. I included games for our weekly vocabulary and spelling words. I had a weekly "blog" post. There were easy connections to our county information. Parents LOVED my website. They were excited that they could see what was going on in the classroom. They loved that I kept them up to date on the latest school news and events. All the time I spent creating the website was worth it. 

So go ahead and take the plunge. You won't regret it.


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16 comments:

  1. We have websites at our school too!! In fact our parish requires that every school and teacher in the parish has a website! And part of our teacher evaluation is based on whether or not we keep it updated!! I have parents always tell me that they use my website to pull off weekly words, homework, or other info. Especially if their child left something at school. I love having a website!!

    Jamie

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    1. Yes. This is why it is a great tool to have. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I agree!!! I've had a classroom website for about eight years now and it's probably one of the best decisions I have made as an educator. I don't mind updating it at all because it truly is a wealth of information!
    Alison
    Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'

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    1. 100% agree! I hope more teachers decide to take the leap and start one.

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  3. Our district has class websites for us, but it's not very user friendly. That's probably why so many parents don't use it! I've been thinking about trying a different host site and just linking to the district created one.

    Rachel
    A Tall Drink of Water

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    1. Weebly is pretty user friendly. My kids loved going on there last year. I hope it works out for you this year!

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  4. I've done a classroom website the past two years, but this year I will have students write the blog! I can't wait!

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    1. That is an awesome idea Nicole. Let me know how it works out. It is something I might want to do.

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  5. Mary, I can't wait to check this out! :) At our EOY performance review, one of my goals was a classroom website/facbeook to interact with my parents. Now I have a great tool to check out! :)

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  6. Thanks for your post, Mary! I've had a class website for only 2 years but WOW, has it made a difference in parent communication!! I'm never without my camera in hand, and I'm always taking pictures of my class in action. I use Shutterfly as my free website; it's secure, includes picture albums, class calendar, files, websites, etc. It's THE BEST!! And many parents have told me that they love seeing what they're child is doing during the day while they're at work!

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    1. My kids were so used to me snapping pictures of them. They used to stop and smile, by middle of the year, they didn't even notice LOL!

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  7. You're wonderful teacher, wish you lot's inspiration and patience!
    I like your posts, so helpful!
    www.mobilenanny.org

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  8. Get Your Homework Done They cherished that I stayed up with the latest on the most recent school news and occasions. All the time I spent making the site.

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  9. They were energized that they could perceive what was happening in the study hall. Assignment Done They cherished that I stayed up with the latest on the most recent.

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  10. They even give you a glimpse at your stats. Mba Essay Help You can have numerous pages and even add pictures and documents.

    ReplyDelete