How to Make a Class Newsletter Parents Will Read
For the elementary school teacher communication with your students' parents is critical. A class newsletter ensures that your class parents know what is going on at school. It also lets them know what their kids need to be working on and what events are in the near future.
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Instructions
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1
Find a classroom newsletter template. These can be found online. You can find class newsletter templates that will allow you to type your information directly into the template. Or, you can find one you want to take ideas from and make your own.
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2
Choose an overall theme for the newsletter. It can be themed to match the time of year or a big assignment coming up. For example, November's newsletter may be themed "We're Talking Turkey".
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3
Describe the newsletter with a title that will always remain the same. An example of this would be, "Mrs. Smith's Class News". This helps the parents who have more than one child at your school be aware of whose newsletter this is.
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4
Date your newsletter. The template may have a specific spot for the month. If it does not, you can put the month in smaller type under the title in Step 3.
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Give each article or subject a bold title. A newsletter will be more pleasing to the eye and easier to read if you add classroom-themed clip art. You can find free clip art online that is offered specifically for teachers. School clip art and pictures can also be used to fill in blank spaces on your newsletter.
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Fill the body of your class newsletter with articles about upcoming tests, class projects, field trips, plays and general school or district news.
It is real nice to list your days Monday through Friday and give a brief description of the study subject that day. One short sentence will do. This encourages conversation between parents and children about their school day.
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Leave room for a "Special Notes" section. This could be used to remind parents to talk to their kids about specific classroom behaviors you may be having trouble with. It could also be a section to give thanks and recognize parents and students who have done something nice. Keep in mind, that if you do decide to thank a student, you will need to thank all of them at one point or another. They will be watching!
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Add some color. You want your newsletter to be bright, cheery and fun. A dull-looking newsletter is less likely to be read.
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Tips & Warnings
You may be able to find a local print shop that will print 15-20 of your newsletters free of charge in exchange for a small note thanking them for their donation.
Keep your overall tone upbeat and optimistic.
You can include your email address if you want to encourage open communication with your parents.
