TOP PICKS | 18 TOOLS
Apps and Websites for Improving Parent-Teacher Communication
Top Picks
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Messaging & Announcements
Klassly
Friendly, free tool for school-to-home communication facilitates connection
Bottom line: This versatile platform offers lots of possibilities for classroom management and keeping caregivers in the loop if teachers create meaningful posts and interactions.
Classting
Share files, photos, videos with simple caregiver communication platform
Bottom line: A simple, practical tool for fostering communication between home and school.
LivingTree Engage
Home-school messaging best for organizing events, simple communication
Bottom line: This free tool has the basic pieces of a group messaging platform but lacks some fancier bells and whistles.
ParentSquare
Versatile communication tool fosters parent engagement and involvement
Bottom line: A solid, comprehensive way to help schools streamline communication between school staff and families.
Remind
Messaging platform offers tight focus on school-to-home connection
Bottom line: Well-designed, highly effective messaging tool delivers on its promise to connect home and school.
TalkingPoints
Multilingual texting tool enhances school-to-home communication
Bottom line: Easy-to-use tool for supporting communication and engagement with families in 100+ languages.
ClassDojo
Exemplar bridge between home and school also aids learning
Bottom line: When used thoughtfully, ClassDojo can help teachers and families support students' growth through goal-setting, reflection, and celebration.
Bloomz
Full-featured school-to-home communication platform delivers with style
Bottom line: This multifunctional platform connects families, teachers, and students with a ton of features.
ClassTag
Flexible, user-friendly tool gets teachers and families in sync
Bottom line: Practical communication options allow teachers to effectively communicate classroom happenings and needs to families.
Smart classroom tool if used with care; priceless for PLNs
Bottom line: Twitter offers something for everyone: information, resources, and an easy way to connect with just about anyone.
Portfolio Tools
Seesaw
Versatile digital portfolio appeals to teachers, students, and parents
Bottom line: A powerful multimedia learning and communication tool that demonstrates student progress over time.
FreshGrade Classic
A fresh way to capture, document, and share student learning
Bottom line: Multimedia documentation tools and a customizable grade book help communicate learning and expand both summative and formative assessment.
Bulb
Slick portfolio tool has cool features, limited feedback options
Bottom line: A neat tool for publishing online, possibly better suited to teacher content creation than student publishing.
Websites & Class Blogs
Edublogs
Encourage student expression and maintain digital portfolios with easy-to-use blog creator
Bottom line: Edublogs is a fantastic platform for any teacher committed to providing consistent opportunities for creation and reflection.
Weebly
Easy-to-use website design tool lets teachers monitor kids' creations
Bottom line: Teacher-monitored sites and drag-and-drop elements make attractive website design safe and accessible for students.
Blogger
Versatile, easy-to-use blog platform best used with teacher guidance
Bottom line: With teacher support and guidance, motivated kids will find this easy-to-use and eye-catching platform a fun place to share their voices.
Google Sites
Make your own website with easy, intuitive drag-and-drop features
Bottom line: With a few clicks, students can design a basic but custom, responsive website that allows for easy collaboration with their peers.
