The 10 Best Ways to Bring Families Into Your Classroom, Virtually

To ensure our students are set up for success, we can’t underestimate the power of classroom communication. 

It’s not a mere add-on; it’s a must-have. Think of it as the key ingredient for better attendance, improved behavior, enhanced social-emotional skills, and academic achievements—building trust with the grown-ups at home. Now, let’s dive into a Top 10 list—a practical guide crafted to elevate your classroom updates and foster strong connections between home and school.

10. Your preferred way of being contacted

Of course, sharing your contact information is a no-brainer! Go a step further, and share preferences, so folks are clear. For example, “I typically read & respond to emails from 7:30 – 8am and 3 – 4pm. In between, I’m busy with students.”

8 & 9. Start & end of class procedures + start/end of day procedures (if relevant)

Sharing how students enter and exit the classroom at the start and end of your class and/or the school day not only gives home adults a clear picture of what your methods are like, it helps them to prompt their learners about classroom expectations.

7. A helpful resource

Raising kids is challenging! Share a blog post, an article, a meme that will help home adults support, understand, or challenge their learners (or even just feel seen!)

6. “What’s coming down the pike…”

Alert families to upcoming deadlines, projects, class trips, exams, in-school events. Anything they should know about, even if they’re unable to participate. Sharing is a means of supporting virtual participation.

5. A monthly survey of how it’s going

Although an update seems one-directional, it’s actually a means of 2-way communication. If you make it that way! By encouraging Family & caregiver input, and following up on it, you’re showing up for your families. 

4. Homework procedures

“I don’t have any homework,” is the default response. Pre-empt that by explaining exactly when and what is going on with homework. Is it daily? Weekly? How is it turned in? Where can families check?

3. “Ask your child about” questions

Raise your hand if you’ve ever asked a child what’s happened in school and they answered, “Nothing.” Sharing some prompts will make it easier for families to have meaningful conversations with their learners.

2. What to do if they think their child is having difficulty

If we value supporting our students’ social, emotional, and academic success, we need to put it front and center. Spell it out for families: here’s what resources are available for your child at school, and here’s how to access those resources.

1. Attendance props

The number one predictor of student success: coming to school. Create a positive, cheerleading attendance feature as part of your regular updates. Award virtual trophies, emojify it up. Do what you need to do to celebrate daily attendance and students who are showing up.

If we understand classroom updates as a regular part of instruction, it shifts from being an extra burden to just part of our planning. The very last tip? If you have students regularly not attending or families/caregivers regularly not engaging, reach out. Students need to know someone cares whether or not they’re attending school.

Get in touch with us to see how SchoolStatus Connect can help boost your family engagement!