#BFC530 Archive
The Breakfast Club – #BFC530 – is a 15 minute, 1 question Twitter chat every weekday. We chat in 4 timezones Mon-Fri – 5:30am Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific Times. The mission of BFC is to empower participants to make a difference in education by engaging in consistent reflective practice in a supportive community that inspires and challenges one another.
Tuesday March 15, 2016
Good morning friends! David MS Principal from VA here this fine Tuesday morning! How are we?
Ben here from Western North Carolina. Physics & math teacher. Good morning, friends!
Happy Tuesday! Debby from NY.
Good morning friends. Christina from MD checking in.
Hello, all! Abner from the DC area.
Good morning Starr from NY checking in
Good morning! Foggy here in Indiana this morning!
Good morning! Oona from NJ here. I teach English to 11th & 12th graders. Or should I say I'm the lead learner?!
How many fat black 14 y/o'ds died when rap music suddenly went mainstream in the 1990s?
Good morning everyone! Ylonka from DR
Good morning! Kathy from CT
Good morning Jennifer from Ohio
Good morning. Stacey from NJ where I am a 4-5 tech coach/integrator.
Good morning. Manny from Baltimore here. Literally just rolled out of bed. NO coffee yet.
Good morning friends! Kimberly, Media Specialist from FL here!
Good morning! Nicole, reading specialist from NJ
Good morning my friends! Robin here. Gonna be a hot one in the ATL today!
Start with positive notes & calls home - early & often. As with your Ss, it all begins with relationships and trust.
I think you need to reach parents and caregivers where they are--- their phones.
Today's question: As a busy parent, I appreciate teachers that send weekly email updates. I most always write back to say thanks!
Up with the birds. Actually, I think the birds are still sleeping. It's still so dark!
Good morning from sunny Florida!
I use email often. Always copy S.
I send a text about 4 times a week. I also send videos and emails.
Sometimes bite sized chunks of information is best. Likewise send a letter home when their child did something positive-balance!
Good morning from Long Island, NY
Hi ! Alicia from MA here. High school math teacher.
30 min commute~phone parents often. Open door 4 Ps to stop in office when in bldg 4 other reasons & email. https://t.co/4a4IwTsGog
I think consistency is the answer. we need to call parents more often. I failed at this.
Julia here. From CA, now working in Dublin, Ireland. But, Stateside tomorrow for a bit of Spring Break! :)
Good morning from the Bluegrass State... the birds are amazingly vocal this morning!
I have been to events using the name Google summit. Not sure that they were, though.
Social media to keep families informed w/bldg activities, phone calls, emails, whatever it takes! https://t.co/vLddU7IUvn
is great for general info.
Good morning friends, Betsy bio teacher from nj here!
I think more & more we have to be flexible in our methods of communication. Email, notes, F2F, etc. Use what works for the parents.
Morning Everyone! Tom here, principal in Lexington, MA
That will do that to you!
Good morning! Less than 2 weeks until spring break! Woohoo!
Doing well--taking a Spring Break of my own starting tomorrow--Can't wait! :) haha How are you?
I wish that our schedules allowed for us to go to parents when need be. Sometimes we need the f2f.
Good Morning , Denis from NJ here! I appreciate the weekly update from our daughter's MS team, full of details.
Exactly! I used as a school executive daily, I use it as a system leader daily.
Yo Stacey... Ready to do some coaching today?
LOL...It is a bit dark Oona, agreed.
Yes, use what works for families! Be available outside of "work day" https://t.co/pNpIqA2bFP
I think more & more we have to be flexible in our methods of communication. Email, notes, F2F, etc. Use what works for the parents.
week and a half to break. All is well !! https://t.co/RAMXSJs7Po
Doing well--taking a Spring Break of my own starting tomorrow--Can't wait! :) haha How are you?
I use and I see many parents daily at parent pick up. I love sharing snippets from lessons out there!
Me too, sadly. https://t.co/GiHHAKDBcD
I think consistency is the answer. we need to call parents more often. I failed at this.
The first thing I do the first week of school is set up a parents' email list. I email & have a class blog. I also give out my cell
My classroom Twitter page has been phenomenal, as well as appreciated for ongoing communication and conversations.
I know: Your friends having tough time still. This year is a loss, yes? I know things will be made right for 2016-17.
How many of Us get weekly folders back with everything still inside? Ask Ps/caregivers how they prefer to communicate give choice.
I use Twitter as . Just started Tigers Tweet Something Neat. Many parents fast follow so my tweets come as texts.
Good morning from cold, rainy Massachusetts.
Brian, HS principal
At start of week I look ahead at important updates, then use Boomerang chrome ext to schedule emails at the right time. works great.
Good morning! How is NJ today?
Positive postcards. I have them preprinted with just enough space 4 Ts to write a quick good news message. Goal: 1 for each student!
Hooray! The Dennis is here...
I find the best way to build strong relationships w S's families is to make sure they know you care abt how their S does!
We also have parent conferences 2/year; parent orientation 1/yr and Open house 1/yr.
I use email, text calls vox what ever the family decides is the best for them
First time joining this chat! Kaitlyn, resource teacher in NJ
Indeed! Use a positive sandwich approach: if there is an ask/improvement item do it between two positive comment.
I send emails to parents who've joined my email list. Dates, deadlines, upcoming events, pics of great moments in class
What if our online LMS went a step further and sent weekly updates to parents for us? Id love that and It would hold us accountable.
For secondary folks, parent communication = tough nut to crack. E-mail/online access to grades? Not enough. https://t.co/PWfjUovscD
Thank you, sir! I've been lurking a bit. I'm very mysterious.
Being visible during drop off and pick up allows for quick frequent chats
We use what the students call love notes, a slip, when Ss get a low quiz/test grade miss HW we send it now thru whatsapp to parents
sure hope so, still the FA Cup but barley https://t.co/dvO5bvlKIL
I know: Your friends having tough time still. This year is a loss, yes? I know things will be made right for 2016-17.
Morning, ! Rachel, T and Tech Integrator from NY
As a busy parent I appreciate any form of communication (electronic preferred). I adore ! 1/2.
hello everybody! It's Cleteus from Virginia, happy to be here.
I Tweet, FB, Remind, regularly update my T website, sidewalk-talk, and email. No time for a newsletter. https://t.co/roUEg8aw9Q
Morning Brian! Im about to go out with my dogs! Was definitely "cool" out last night too!
I believe we use every method of communication available to us. Cant reach all w/1 form
Morning, Brian. It's feeling cold and rainy here in NJ, too. Good reading weather!
Good morning . Elisa in Quito. Actually 4:30 am here, but I'm awake..sort of. LOL!
I email at least 5 parents everyday with a + message or a sampling of their work.
Open door is key...parents know they are always welcome. Even to come in and watch our class.
Email often seems like the preferred form of communication for most families.
Hi Everyone off topic but I am looking for any information on google summits. Can you pm if you have any? Thanks
Had 1 (HS) S each day pen tweets on class account spreadsheet from Alice Keeler. I approved+shared at day's end. Ps check anytime
Hi fellow ! Welcome to the !
My Ss make a class newsletter that is on my email signature so Ps can see what we are up to in class.
As a busy T I understand why that doesn't always happen. Sometimes there is just too much. Also why awesome! Quick!
I use G mail merge to kick peronalized wkly notes to kids/parents- Ss reflect, then me, then merge/send. https://t.co/AqSPXjj8WY
Today's question: As a busy parent, I appreciate teachers that send weekly email updates. I most always write back to say thanks!
Sending out updates regularly! I use emails and handwritten notes :)
yes by HS many parents have checked out of communication. Hard to get a 2 way convo going https://t.co/TbeYUZK7b0
For secondary folks, parent communication = tough nut to crack. E-mail/online access to grades? Not enough. https://t.co/PWfjUovscD
There are some tools that do that, like . The problem is that parents have to sign up. If it were auto, awesome!
That is so true. The worst I hear is when Ts use a medium of communication as an excuse why they don't involve fam
I think the parents at my school prefer phone calls. Emails would be more efficient.
I didn't know about fast follow. Fabulous idea! Thank you! https://t.co/nya6B0Dwzq
I use Twitter as . Just started Tigers Tweet Something Neat. Many parents fast follow so my tweets come as texts.
Good morning. I'm the Executive Director of
I was sending out weekly blog posts to parents, but rarely got any feedback. Don't really know if any were reading them.
Also started Friday 2 min videos Ss made about our week. I'd share through email list from SIS
Good morning Have tried several strategies for parent engagement without much success, so lurking/getting new ideas today!
I tend to email the most, but thinking about recreating a website I once had. There has to be a better way with technology today.
IMHO is the best thing that has happened to communication with parents. I LOVE IT
Not sure what else to do. Very frustrating. Only 10 of 21 Ps on Remind, and even fewer on Twitter and FB. ideas most welcome!!!!
But I did have class blog/website, classTwitter account, and email.
Emails frequently & f2f daily.I use pictures & anecdotes to keep up their interest so they'll want to comment
not only do I try to make positive phone calls to the students but also to the parents as well. Friendly phone calls go a long way.
We send pics and info daily on Fb page, elementary classroom newsletters, & have a very open door policy for f2f meetings
Would love to do but how do Ts w/ over 100 Ss manage it? Please advise
I consider any PD (Google or otherwise) that is close (tri state area).
Emails work best for me for on-going conversation because it curates the conversation for later reference.
Right! Yes! As most other things in teaching, a one-size-fits-all approach is probably not best. Innovate to meet the need!
Important to recognize when a call should be made rather than email - purpose of the communication. https://t.co/XkZWcIp3cK
I believe we use every method of communication available to us. Cant reach all w/1 form
Bravo, Missy! Cool idea. Little retro. :) I know that I'd appreciate getting a postcard w/ news. https://t.co/9StFwl7fay
Positive postcards. I have them preprinted with just enough space 4 Ts to write a quick good news message. Goal: 1 for each student!
I began a monthly Digital Newsletter last year, and have continued this year. Families enjoy communication presented by Ss.
Exactly! You'll surprise the parents in the process in some cases!
Mail merges are a beautiful thing! :)
Amen. It is NOT hard to communicate this day & age. The smallest effort will do the trick
yes I have a class voxer group invited parents zero response https://t.co/mc33l492cU
Not sure what else to do. Very frustrating. Only 10 of 21 Ps on Remind, and even fewer on Twitter and FB. ideas most welcome!!!!
Good morning! Emily from MI chiming in. has completely changed how I communicate w Ps!
Have that same issue. Wish there was a promo to show parents how cool it is to be in the loop!
Just want to be sure not to tweet with that account at 2 am. ;)
Good morning Mark! I hope your day has started well?
Sure am. Lots of 1:1s and Podcast talk today!
I need to check into this. Thanks!
I found one positive phone call a day (had to be realistic w myself lol) helped me make connections with parents
I need to do this! https://t.co/nYQwGQaF3u
I email at least 5 parents everyday with a + message or a sampling of their work.
Last wk at Google training, we had a great conversation abt portfolios as a way for parents to access S work. It got me thinking!
I love it when parents tell me their teens are talking about my class at the dinner table.
From what i'm reading, some of us have trouble with initial contact. How about a Report Card Night?
Interesting. Always feel as though we play "Phone tag" when making calls home. Email is efficient indeed.
agree. For a few parents, very frustrating. I offer them pretty much any way, any place, any time (within reason).
is now trending in USA, ranking 24
Wow! Great job! https://t.co/GsxZF326Cd
I email at least 5 parents everyday with a + message or a sampling of their work.
I love that too. However, not a lot of parents signed up.
I also Tweet about classroom events and post on . Occasionally send emails to whole class.
Consistency in communication is important, sometimes more so than what is said.
. I only have 21, but where's the time??? So many demands already.
Article is on point! This year I batch grades, always give feedback to Ss 1st, and delay opening gradebook https://t.co/kvy2uG5Bjn
For secondary folks, parent communication = tough nut to crack. E-mail/online access to grades? Not enough. https://t.co/PWfjUovscD
morning greetings&end of the day closures during arrival &dismissal's as possible. Great way to start/end the day w/ the Ps
Exactly. And I often like to push Ts on the mindsets that are beneath the not communicating. Addressing the root!
I use SMORE for my school blog -- but it's not a conversation. Twitter helps me brand, but it's not a venue for tough conversations.
This is an area I think many Ts all improve in...me included. The key is to be reflective and make positive change.
As a parent, I would LOVE to see a class blog, web page, remind group, anything like that. I often feel in the dark
Start small. You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Commit to making one phone call a week perhaps. https://t.co/q6qYSIsTHC
Would love to do but how do Ts w/ over 100 Ss manage it? Please advise
Make it worthwhile. Had same prob w/Ts. Sent Remind that1day was a spec jeans day. Ts that weren't members joined quick
Our school prints Positive Post Cards as well for Ts to send to Ss through the mail. It's great. https://t.co/NOuHpsXwuo
Positive postcards. I have them preprinted with just enough space 4 Ts to write a quick good news message. Goal: 1 for each student!
When I 1st started teaching we had a day when Ps came in to sit in class to observe for 2 hours
I keep bugging them until they do. Once they hear their child's voice explaining their own work, they are hooked!
Good Morning Crew! is an encouragement to Parents, Learners and Teachers alike!
Not sure how helpful that was. Im headed to NYC this w-e for & then next month. Check out
It would also REALLY help if tech dept set up parent e-mail lists for Ts at the start of the year.
I second that! General communication of course, but w/184 Ss last semester I had to focus on the Ds/Fs/absences!
Love that idea! Totally "borrowing" it! ;)
I agree, I felt the same. https://t.co/ZxE6ylg4Aa
I was sending out weekly blog posts to parents, but rarely got any feedback. Don't really know if any were reading them.
I have learned that emails while efficient are sometimes bad because they hide the time more BTW P & T. Can lead to miscommunication
That makes me sad. I wish this existed when I was in the CR.
it would be nice to send out info before the school year started.
Can't tell you the number of times I've had parents tell say that they've only received bad news. We have to change that!
Believe it or not, out of about 50 students, only a small fraction even read my Genesis progress report each trimester.
. Huh. Interesting. Wonder what kind of enticements I can finagle for Ps.
can you explain how fast follow works? Or direct me to a link/page to garner more info? TIA!
Curious, Elisa: What sort of parent numbers follow your Twitter feed? Interested to know its effectiveness with them.
We can email Ps through the gradebook system.
Ps have told me that they love too. That the newsletters are too long and they don't read them.
Not possible to call 80 parents... With updating website, emailing, calls...plus teaching/grading. https://t.co/0KWuiDqn3e
I think the parents at my school prefer phone calls. Emails would be more efficient.
Just loved this post Natalie!
we offer book chats geared 2 parents re children's topics. This weeks chat by is going 2 b awesome. Ps find them helpful.
amazing - kids tell us it is on the fridge...esp 4 those who don't get + news often. I bring 2 faculty mtgs 2 B filled out
This often happens with a Google form as well.
Problem we face in our hs: when we inform parents of lack of hw or effort instead of helping Ss,they're very punitive
I had a hard time getting my HS Ps on board w/Remind. Had maybe 10/184 signed up after sharing many times!
Anytime! Had Ts asking why PPL were wearing jeans. Didn't u get the Remind text? Solved that prob
And the take up SO MUCH TIME.
. Agreed. Beyond frustrating. There is no easy solution. https://t.co/Sjqdl26fX3
I was sending out weekly blog posts to parents, but rarely got any feedback. Don't really know if any were reading them.
That's too bad. :( Elementary seem to love it.
this is when I want all my parents on Voxer, but it's run by my Ss head off the neg.
Oh, now, come on, don't you have a magic wand?! :-)
thank you so much, Oona. Humbled.
If they are subscribed, they probably do. You can track on most blogs if you want to
Ps Love when they receive pictures of their children achieving in their academics or happy at school via email.
same here. I also try to keep conversations casual and friendly...less intimidating.
I think many people in general are leery of technology & new things. I see it in Ts and Ps.
I loved doing that. Parents are so confused at first.
id say it's the biggest block to communication in our district.
