Communications and Collaboration

I improved communication with parents and students this year, as I added Remind.com as a tool and I absolutely love it.  My job is so much easier because of this technology, which will probably cost us money in the future.  Messages are scheduled or sent immediately. Our book return to the library is much better this year because I send reminders the night before.  Many parents understand our reading homework better because I sent a short explanation the night it was due.  I should be spending a little less money on class activities because Remind is so efficient.  Communication and collaboration takes place when I send text messages requesting items for our class.  It's so nice to be able to let parents know we have plenty of cider, but we need cupcakes.  All of this done over the weekend, when the items are needed on Monday ( can you say stress relief and less money spent needlessly).

Our class blog is also a huge success.  The photos and class videos entice parents to visit the site and read the information.  My students love to add their work and I am happy to share their successes with parents.  Last week I was able to add both links to Scholastic Reading Counts to our blog. Parents and students now have access to this technology at home.  They can read, take tests at home, and check to see if a book has a quiz all after school.  Our PTSO purchased the online program.  It was expensive but I believe it's very worth the cost. We are collaborating in our efforts to improve reading when parents use the tools I provide in the comfort of their own home and their kiddos come to school joyful because they read 3 books.  Mrs. Scaggs' Class Blog  When visiting my blog make sure you scroll down and check out our Doubles Rappers..........and the Shy Rappers.

Asynchronous,  that would be most of my communication and collaboration.  Pinterest boards are accessed when needed and at varying times and places.  Remind.com messages are sent when the need arises, and I collaborate with colleagues when we plan events, and most importantly, have time to do so.  If you really want to streeeeetch the term, our synchronous collaboration is scheduled by the district:)  I can teach using synchronous communication when students are absent, yet able to practice spelling words, take the practice test, and the final test, all while using the same Spelling city we access in class.  We haven't done a google hangout as synchronous collaboration with second grade, not everyone is there yet.  I'd like to have a shorter meeting one week, stay in my classroom, save my precious planning time, and collaborate with other second grade teachers, because we accessed google hangout.