September is over and October is here to stay. Like most teachers, we’ve been in school for little over a month. If you’re like me, I send out a newsletter at the beginning of each month to parents letting them know what we are working on that month. Here are few things I’ve learned about sending newsletters:

I can recall the number of times I’ve been late getting the newsletter out to student’s parents. Whether the copier’s broke, we’ve run out of colored paper, or it didn’t make it into the student’s weekly folders, being a little late won’t hurt anyone.

I’ve sent newsletters home on the 6th or 7th of a month once or twice. Don’t worry. Get it  out as soon as possible. Sometimes (hopefully not) it may the only time you communicate with parents. Let them know what’s going on in the classroom.

Need classroom supplies? Need a volunteer for a class event? Use the newsletter to ask parents for help! Once I asked parents to send in any prizes for out classroom store. I received quite a few items including small toys, candy, pencils, and even a few snacks.

This is also a great time to ask for volunteers. If you’d like some extra help with a big activity or celebration, you can let parents know you’ll be sending home volunteer requests for the activity. I once planned a party for fall (instead of Halloween) and didn’t ask for any help figuring I could do it all myself. I had so much food and supplies I didn’t know what to do with it all. Distributing it was hard, but if it wasn’t for one of my student’s mother who came into help, it could have been a disastrous. Thankfully, she was a big help!

Planning a class trip in the middle of the month? Picture Day in a few days? Report Cards coming out at the end of the month? Now’s the time to let parents know important dates are headed their way. Keeping the parents informed can save time down the road and prevent unexpected visits from worried parents. 

Don’t just tell parents that you are working on addition. Tell them you are working on 2 digit  addition with and without regrouping. Don’t just say “we’re studying life cycles.” Say “We’re studying the butterfly life cycle and how it butterflies help the environment“. Giving more details about what is going on the classroom can build a sense of trust with your parents. Let them know you know what you are doing!

To help you get started on a classroom newsletter, I made this exclusive newsletter template that includes 3 designs and 1 blank design. You can get your FREE copy here: Newsletter Template Freebie

Until next week!