Education is a collaborative process. The key to helping a child learn should not just be dependent on the teacher. Every child needs a support system that will enable him to thrive in the educational environment. This support system should consist of the teacher, the school system, and the parents. Investing in a text messaging service for schools is a good way to enable all these three crucial elements to work closely with one another.
Why engage the parents
A considerable body of research shows that parental involvement in a child’s education is a top predictor for student achievement. Additionally, correlational research has shown that parental engagement is associated with increased attendance, better emotional adjustment, and improved behavior.
Traditionally, teachers only get to interact with parents during a quarterly parent-and-teacher conference. Undoubtedly, a few minutes of conversation is not enough to share everything that has happened throughout the months. While some teachers actively talk to the parents after class, regularly doing this is time-consuming and limited only to those who have the time to have a quick chat.
Investing in a text messaging platform
Regularly sending a text message to the parents is a good way of updating their child’s progress and notifying them of crucial reminders.
While text messages can be done via personal phone, the school district administration discourages this form of communication as it can intrude too much on the teacher’s privacy. As such, it is highly encouraged that every school avails of a text messaging service that teachers can access. Through this platform, teachers can text from the school’s official number, thus, making the communication more transparent and professional.
Utilizing a text messaging platform
One of the ways in which text messaging can be utilized by using it as conversation prompts. Teachers can send a summary of the week’s lesson to help parents know what is being discussed in class. It can also be used to remind parents about upcoming assessments. In this way, parents can help their child review for their exams. Additionally, teachers can also send notifications to parents about missed assignments. When you subscribe to a text messaging service for schools, you can create a template where you can just put in the name of the parent, the student, and the missed activity. You do not have to manually text them one-on-one, thus providing you more time to do other important tasks.
Besides important updates about the educational progress of their child, sending text messages can also provide information about school cancellations or early dismissal reminders. In this way, you can spare the family from the hassle of going to the school if they need not be there or have a child stay back late just because he did not get fetched early.
Is texting parents effective?
Sending a text message is no less personal than other means of digital communication. Using this mode does not also lessen the professional approach in education. A 2019 study in suburban communities revealed that 73% of parents prefer text communication over letters since it is a fast and practical way to be informed about what is happening in school. These brief messages keep them abreast of what they need to know without having to constantly check the social media account or website of the school for updates.
Collaboration between the teacher, the school, and the parents is crucial in the growth and development of a child. Without a doubt, text messaging is an effective and efficient platform that can keep the stream of communication open between all these parties.
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