Remind is a fabulous tool for keeping in touch. Many students don't use email. But even if they don't have a computer at home, most have a smartphone. So use that!
https://www.remind.com/
I've used this FREE site for years, as both as a teacher and a volunteer coordinator. Just make a free account linked to your school email address. Then you can create as many 'classes' as you want. I have one for Key Club and another for each class I teach. Once you create the class, it gives you instructions (like at right) for people to sign up for your class. You can post it in your classroom, paste it into your welcome letter, or show it during Back to School Night. Whoever signs up never sees your phone number, and you never see theirs. But you can send the entire class (or several classes at once) text updates. You can also communicate back and forth with individuals or small groups within the classes.
https://www.remind.com/
I've used this FREE site for years, as both as a teacher and a volunteer coordinator. Just make a free account linked to your school email address. Then you can create as many 'classes' as you want. I have one for Key Club and another for each class I teach. Once you create the class, it gives you instructions (like at right) for people to sign up for your class. You can post it in your classroom, paste it into your welcome letter, or show it during Back to School Night. Whoever signs up never sees your phone number, and you never see theirs. But you can send the entire class (or several classes at once) text updates. You can also communicate back and forth with individuals or small groups within the classes.
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You can also embed a widget of your texts into your website. This allows anyone who visits your website to see what your texts are. Think of students who don't get texts or who have lost their texting privileges! In Remind, simply click on the small button on the bottom left and select Account. A new screen will appear. Click on widgets. It'll give you the code to copy/paste directly into the HTML code of your website. When you've done it, it'll look something like the image at left. |
TIPS:
- You have 140 characters per text, or you can send a file attachment and 117 characters.
- Remind students of upcoming due dates & test dates.
- Send a copy of a completed study guide or activity instructions.
- Give students a link to a website, online quiz, or poll for homework.
- Schedule text updates ahead of time. For example, if you want a reminder to go out the evening before a project is due, type it and program the day/time you want it sent.
- Some people use text, others still use email, so do both!
- NEW: Have an upcoming field trip, fundraiser or conference day? Remind will create a website for you & send out info so people can sign up for specific time slots and pay directly to your school's bank account. Major time saver!
- Download the app on your phone! Now students can text you if they have questions and you can contact them individually when necessary. You could either set certain office hours when you are available, or allow anyone to reach you anytime.