As educators, we know the importance of family communication throughout the school year. Keeping channels of communication open and crafting messages for families are just part of the challenge faced by schools and teachers. If you’re a regular follower of the blog, you may remember that last year I shared a special parent communication app. The folks at ClassTag have a new contest going on right now – and I can’t wait for you to hear about it!
ClassTag Parent Communication App
Have you heard of ClassTag? I’m a big fan of this parent communication tool. I even spent time with them at their booth at ISTE a few years ago. ClassTag is a popular family communication tool with lots of special features for teachers and families.
ClassTag is totally free and includes direct messaging using both email and text messages to communicate. Teachers can set up class-wide announcements as well. So you can send a notification to everyone or a special message to just one or a few families. There is the option to share videos and photos too making it perfect for every day sharing or sharing after a field trip or assembly. Teachers can also use ClassTag for meeting signups during parent-teacher conferences.
Parent Features
ClassTag adapts to parent preferences. When you send a message, directly to a parent or to the class, they automatically receive it in the way they choose. For example, there is an automatic translation into over fifty languages. So if a parent signs up with your unique code, they will receive messages from you in their native language. Parents can also decide if they want to receive messages from teachers via email or text. ClassTag is available on any device, so families can read messages and receive updates from their go-to device like a cell phone or laptop.
Teachers Features
In addition to these special features for families, there are lots of perks for teachers too. Teachers using ClassTag can see who is the loop. That’s because ClassTag lets you know who has read a message, and who hasn’t seen a message yet. This information can help you make sure families see all of the critical information you share. Teachers will also receive notifications when a family’s contact details are in need of an update. This way you can send notes home or make a phone call to families who may be hard to reach electronically.
Click here to sign up for ClassTag – it’s free!
Special ClassTag Contest
So if you’ve thought about starting a new family communication routine, or you’re ready to start from scratch – this is a perfect time. Sign up now for ClassTag and then follow the details in the contest to win one of their special prizes. Here is the link to the ClassTag Instagram contest with full details. On December 11th, 2018, ClassTag will choose three winners to WIN one of 3 prizes:
- Grand Prize: iPhone Projector
- First Prize: 1 KiwiCo Crate
- Second Prize: Teachers Pay Teachers $50 Gift Card
Once you sign up and start using this tool with your students and families, you’ll be a winner either way! Here’s the link to sign up now (it’s totally free) and here’s the link for the Instagram contest.
