Blogging to Connect Students, Parents, and Teachers

              Finding ways to connect with the home has always been a struggle for me as a 6^th grade Math teacher.  I feel as though students and parents are always disconnected from one another, information is not relayed accurately or in a timely fashion, and parents/guardians are left with unanswered questions throughout the year.  However, I believe that setting up a blog within my classroom will be a fantastic tool for both parents and students and help solve these problems!  Students and parents will now have the opportunity to communicate with one another and myself about specific math homework questions, projects, tests, and any other topic that would require a group effort.  I envision students and parents collaborating together at home on math content and then posing any questions and concerns on the blog for discussion.  Students who are absent can have access to the classroom and parents can be notified of what was missed.                                                                                                                                          With the new implementation of the Common Core Modules, I see blogging as a communication tool throughout the year that can keep students and parents up-to-date with the latest news, upcoming assignments and/or tests, questions about specific math content, and a unique way to make connections with diverse families.  I can post sample questions and step-by-step procedures, clear up any confusion with what is happening within the classroom, and create a warm, respectful learning environment for students and their families.