With technology and its increasing role in our daily lives, educators are finding ways to increase parent involvement using mobile devices.

Before you know it, students will be returning to school and your program will be back in session. With a new year comes new and exciting changes, and this is a great time to create innovative ways to communicate with parents. 

With technology and its increasing role in our daily lives, educators are finding ways to increase parent involvement using mobile devices. Mobile apps make it easier to communicate with parents, and almost guarantee that messages are seen, unlike flyers or written notes.

Here are 4 apps that will help keep parents in the loop:

  • Remind is a text messaging app that allows educators to send messages to parents and students without exchanging phone numbers. This app is great for sending reminders about homework, upcoming tests and special events. It's free and makes it easy to keep in touch with parents!
  • Class Messenger is a free, all-in-one communication portal for parents, educators and students. Educators can send pictures, news and updates from their program and even volunteer forms for parents to fill out and submit on their mobile devices. It's a great communication tool to get parents involved!
  • Edmodo is a social media platform designed for educators to interact and communicate with students and parents. Parents are able to observe their child's performance, hold discussions with educators and view all lesson plans. It helps to increase parents' awareness of children's progress.
  • SchoolRack allows educators to create a free website or educational blog to communicate with parents and students outside of school. They can share documents, hold discussions and send private messages to parents. It's easy to use and great for keeping parents involved in their child's education.

These apps are great for school classrooms and after school programs. Communication is a high priority for parents, and mobile apps provide efficient ways to interact with educators and become involved with their children's education.

Visit our Parental Engagement board for activities and tips on engaging parents in the classroom and after school setting.