This article describes a unique way one teacher is connecting with parents. ELL teacher, Jessica Lander, uses the free texting app, Remind, which allows her to send text messages to parents in 84 languages and for them to respond to her. This technology has allowed her to reach families with whom she could not communicate given limited access to translators, many of whom also have work schedules that do not allow them to attend school events. She sends messages that inform parents about the projects in class and encourage them to ask their children questions about content they are learning. This technology also opens the door for two-way communication through which teachers can learn more about their student’s home lives and how best to support and engage them. Other teachers and school support staff will be interested in this use of texting technology to build relationships with all types of families.
Source Organization: Usable Knowledge