How do I write parent newsletters?
No matter what grade you teach, there is always plenty of information you'll need to communicate to all of the parents in your class. Whether it's announcements, event calendars, holiday party details, upcoming tests, or spelling words, the list of all-parent communication is long! While there are a few options to get this important information home to families, the most commonly chosen is the beloved newsletter.
Class newsletter format and what to include:
There are a million different ways to approach a Classroom Newsletter and, if you're anything like me, yours will likely change from one year to the next depending on the dynamics and needs of each group of students. Though the layout or format may change, here are some things to think about as you create your newsletter:
Newsletter Frequency
WEEKLY, MONTHLY, OR BOTH?
I have done it all three ways but my favorite strategy is a weekly newsletter that has the calendar of events for the month on the back.
Pros of Weekly Newsletters Include:
Easy way to send home weekly spelling words
Keeps information current
Less information overload
Easier to list the Specials Schedule (Reminders for PE, Library, etc.)
The main thing? Consistency! Go with a distribution frequency you can stick to so parents know when to expect a new communication.
How to Publish a Newsletter
PRINTOUT? EMAIL?
Deciding how to easily distribute your newsletter can be tricky - will parents see it in a take-home folder? Will the email go to their Junk folder? My take: use both options!
I like to send a printed copy home in a Friday folder along with graded work from the week and any other papers from school. Then, on Monday morning I email a .pdf version in case it got lost in transit or I need to add something I left out on Friday.
I've heard other teachers have success with flipping this process and sending an electronic copy on Friday, then sending all of the papers home on a Monday with this week's spelling words. (Plus, this option has the added bonus of a weekend to grade papers!)
Whatever method you decide, I think the key here (again) is consistency so parents know when to expect to hear important updates - and how!
What to Include in a Newsletter
While this list will obviously vary based on grade level and school happenings, here is what I have found to be my tried-and-true recipe for a well-written weekly newsletter:
Upcoming Events: I like to include a monthly calendar “big picture” view on the back of each newsletter. Then, on the front, I highlight details for the events coming up that week. Make sure to include “No School” days, tests, school events, fundraiser due dates, or any other important activities parents may want to know.
Specials Rotation: Parents need to know when library books are due (so they can find them hiding at the bottom of closets) and when students need to wear tennis shoes for PE. So, including the specials rotation will (hopefully) give a little reminder nudge for activities that don't happen each school day.
Lunch Menu: Including the lunch menu in the newsletter gives parents easy access to the options for planning. Or, if your school provides a monthly version, you can always include that instead.
Weekly Spelling List: When you send each week's list of words, make sure to include the rule or teaching point if there is one! This can help parents when they practice the words with their student.
What Students are Learning: I would keep it basic here, but give parents a snapshot of what you're learning in class that week with conversation starters so they can ask their students questions and reinforce the material. Math: "I can add and subtract numbers up to 10,000 without regrouping (9,768 - 2,351)"
HINT: This is a great place to include learning targets or standards if you have them.
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