Teacher: How to Use a Class Website for Students and Parents

As a part of Back to School Month here at OurChurch.Com, I thought it would be helpful to bring you some thoughts from people who have experience with school and class websites.

The first person that came to mind is my favorite teacher of all time.  She taught second grade at Immanuel Lutheran School in Brandon, Florida for more than 20 years (30 years teaching overall) and managed a website for her class for several years.  So, I gave her a call…

and fortunately my mother, Judy Steinbrueck, came through for me and agreed to an interview. 🙂

I think you’ll find the interview insightful.

If nothing else, the little nugget about how she has gotten her parents to read the online newsletter each week is gold.  That alone is worth the read, and the principle can be applied to other, non-education websites.

Paul Steinbrueck: How long have you had a website for your second grade class?

Judy Steinbrueck: About 5 years.

PS: Could you describe the purpose of the site and what’s on it?

JS: The main purpose is to communicate with my parents and students.  It’s updated weekly with lesson plans and homework.  It has a newsletter every week.  Bible verses for the year are up there.  Vocabulary, spelling words, and links to other useful sites for them to go to.

PS: What was your motivation for starting the website?

JS: I wanted to have information available to parents without them having to call me.  Not that I don’t want to talk to them, but for when students lose papers – their bible verse, spelling words.  Plus I wanted to provide other resources, like places to practice math flash cards.

PS: Prior to creating this website what experience did you have with computers or websites.

JS: Not much.  I just figured if it was easy I would try it.

PS: What’s the response been like from your parents?

JS: They love it!  They absolutely love it!  Parents often tell me they hope the 3rd grade teacher does the same thing.  It’s really helped to get the other teachers to create their own websites.

PS: What percent of parents visit the site on a regular basis?

JS: It’s grown every year.  Last year it was 100%.  Even those who don’t have access at home check the site at work.  Now I do provide a little incentive.  I send them an email every week that says “Let me know when you’ve check the plans for next week and I’ll give your child a coupon for the ‘superstore,’” which has little toys and games the kids like.

PS: That’s a great idea!

JS: Yeah, it really works.  The kids make sure the parents check the site because they want the coupon.

PS: I know your school, Immanuel Lutheran School in Brandon, FL , has a website.  Does it not give you the capability to keep pages for your own class?

JS: Apparently not, but I do link to the school site and the school site links to the class sites during the school year.  Several other teachers have sites for their classes, some with OurChurch.Com some with other school website services.

PS: Is there anything new you plan to add to your site or anything you’d like to add?

JS: I just add new things as things come to mind.  The vocabulary words were something I added last year.  It’s come a long way.  It started much simpler than it is now.

PS: Do you have any advice for teachers who might be interested in creating a website for their class?

JS: I would recommend every teacher have one.  It’s not hard to do.  But if you’re going to do it, you have to keep it up to date.

PS: Yeah, you just have to commit to doing it.

JS: Yes, if you want it to be useful to your kids and their families that’s important.  The other thing is that most parents who are looking for a school look on the web, so that’s another important reason to have it up to date, plus have interesting information, and have it organized well.

PS: That’s great advice.  Thank you very much for your time, and keep up the good work.

If you’re a teacher looking for an easy way to build a website for your class, check out our WP-EZ Website Builder. If you’re a part of a school looking for school website design or school search marketing, complete the form below to schedule a free, no-obligation phone call.

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Continue reading: Making the Most of the “Back to School” Season