Communicating with Parents & Students with Google Classroom & Calendar

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through effectively communicating with parents and students using Google Classroom and Google Calendar. These tools enhance classroom management and foster better communication, making it easier to share important information, assignments, and schedules.

Step 1: Set Up Google Classroom

• Create a Class

  • Go to Google Classroom and sign in with your Google account.
  • Click the "+" button to create a new class.
  • Fill in the class name, section, subject, and room number.

• Invite Students and Parents

  • Share the class code with students so they can join.
  • Use the "People" tab to invite parents via email, ensuring they receive updates and notifications.

• Organize Class Materials

  • Use the "Classwork" tab to post assignments, questions, and materials.
  • Create topics to categorize materials, making it easier for students and parents to find information.

Step 2: Utilize Google Calendar for Scheduling

• Create Calendar Events

  • Open Google Calendar and select the date for your event.
  • Click on the "+" icon to create a new event.
  • Include event details such as title, date, time, and location.

• Share Events with Parents and Students

  • In the event settings, add emails of parents and students to send them invitations.
  • Use the “Add notification” feature to remind attendees of upcoming events.

• Sync with Google Classroom

  • Link important deadlines and events from Google Classroom to your Google Calendar to keep everything organized in one place.

Step 3: Enhance Communication

• Use Announcements in Google Classroom

  • Post regular announcements to keep everyone informed about updates and changes.
  • Encourage students to ask questions in the comments section to facilitate dialogue.

• Send Reminders via Google Calendar

  • Schedule reminders for assignments, tests, and meetings.
  • Customize reminders to suit the needs of parents and students, ensuring they receive timely notifications.

Step 4: Engage with Parents

• Host Virtual Meetings

  • Use Google Meet for virtual parent-teacher conferences, allowing for real-time interaction.
  • Schedule these meetings using Google Calendar and send out invites.

• Provide Regular Updates

  • Send out weekly or monthly summaries of class activities and student progress.
  • Use Google Classroom to share these updates, allowing parents to stay informed.

Conclusion

By leveraging Google Classroom and Google Calendar, you can streamline communication with parents and students, making it easier to manage classroom activities and keep everyone informed. Start by setting up your Google Classroom, organizing materials, and utilizing the calendar for scheduling. Regular updates and virtual meetings will further enhance engagement and collaboration. For your next steps, consider exploring additional features within Google Classroom and Calendar to maximize their potential in your classroom.