Who's+Reading?

Know Your Audience Last year I kept a parent blog. It was successful at first for the few parents who checked it, but less parents were utilizing it as the year went by. I eventually quit updating because it wasn’t worth my time. Know your audience. If your parents have access to computers, it shouldn’t be a problem for them to check the blog. The truth is that if they have a myspace or facebook account, they should also be checking your class’s website. If the majority of your parents do not have access to computers, keeping a class website may not be something you want to do. It can change year by year, and it is ultimately up to you whether it is worth it or not. If I were to do it again, I would probably create a wiki rather than a blog. I think this is a more teacher-friendly and reader-friendly tool in most areas. Encourage your parents to check it. Put the website URL inside of your students take home folders or binders. It is important to remember that this can’t completely take the place of written communication, though. Blogs and wikis don’t just have to be for parents. These are also excellent tools to use among your class, your faculty or grade level.