Skooly - School Communication app

These days’s college students will graduate into a challenging task marketplace, a fragmented and risky postsecondary panorama and a international of exceedingly accelerating trade. The demanding situations they come across, and the lifestyles and career choices they’ll face, call for a passion for gaining knowledge of and ability sets in goal setting and hassle fixing that make their modern-day enjoy in school too often seem old and narrow. School communication app

Many faculty and district leaders are equipped to don’t forget making a few essential changes in response to those needs. However they’re finding this a tough nut to crack. Sifting thru the numerous studies-primarily based competency frameworks swirling around them is time eating, and finding out which scholar competency goals to prioritize may be overwhelming. No longer to mention the challenges that come with choosing, growing, and enforcing gaining knowledge of and assessment models that proactively assist college students broaden the broader set of skills they’ll want to thrive within the global they’re getting into.

Almost 3 years in development, the myways undertaking from the non-income next era gaining knowledge of challenges (nglc) is designed to make this technique easier. It assembles, distills, and gives exhaustive studies and sensible tools prepared around 4 vital questions that american ok-12 educators must be asking proper now: school communication

why the urgency to trade? What are the profound new realities and situations that our schools ought to address now?

How nicely are we defining and articulating what fulfillment seems like for college students attending our faculty, given the changing economic system and unexpectedly evolving society they are entering?

How can our design for gaining knowledge of and the organization of our college(s) immediately guide students’ attainment of that richer, deeper definition of achievement?

How will we gauge students’ progress in growing those abilties? And: how can we measure and articulate our faculty’s usual performance, beyond skillability in math and ela?

Some school groups are already appearing on these intuitions, growing substantially distinct faculty fashions which are explicitly designed to guide college students to the new “north celebrity” of talents and prepare them for studying, work, and existence in the twenty-first century. School communication app

The myways mission web page offers reviews, tools and sources to help faculty and district leaders cope with those four questions in approaches that resonate with their neighborhood context and build on their present strengths. These gear consist of dialogue templates designed to help schools, districts and charter management groups take a look at their current definition of success in mild of the myways framework, which represents a distillation of more than 25 fundamental student fulfillment frameworks. The site can even provide gear which could help teachers analyze their current coaching and mastering models and techniques to assessment. school communication

All of that said, myways is explicitly not designed to offer a tick list of abilties and techniques for adoption without deep mirrored image and model by the educators putting it to use. We’re company believers that next era studying — learner-centered, personalised, competency-primarily based, experiential, tech-enabled, and prepared round broader definitions of scholar achievement — takes root in a authentic manner only while all of us worried has enough organisation within the work to feel appropriate degrees of ownership. Definitely buying and imposing a customised gaining knowledge of platform, incorporating some challenge based totally learning gadgets into an current curriculum, or “adopting” a brand new fulfillment definition without deep engagement from team of workers is at nice one early step.

The faculties we studied for the myways task have been designed, released, or converted out of existing faculties in part via competitively presented offers from nglc’s $45 million investments in next technology, “breakthrough” colleges during the last 4 years. (these investments had been supported by using the invoice & melinda gates basis, the michael and susan dell basis, and the eli and edythe wide basis, amongst other funders.) their leaders and instructors have worked notably hard to increase and constantly refine their fashions. The training they have learned about what those methods appear like and the way to implement them had been consolidated and applied for the duration of the myways substances. school mobile app

Those pioneers could be quick to mention that there are no shortcuts, and that the road to next generation learning environments for college students begins with deep, community-wide awareness of the reasons to convert, and thrives on the dedication of each person involved. They could also say that their faculty designs will in no way be “completed.” improvement and openness to exchange are hardwired into their dna.

It’s the equal for the complete myways mission; it’ll never be “completed,” either. We welcome you to sign up for the emerging network of practice already forming among educators, researchers, policymakers, reformers and funders who are studying, adapting and applying myways to assist their work.

How do you teach reading skills? Really Good Teachers from around the world shared their favorite techniques for developing a love for reading in their students. Their ideas range from everything from building fluency to increasing comprehension skills. Take a look at the ideas below and leave your suggestions for teaching reading in the comments below. We’d love to know how you teach reading skills too!

Reading Teaching TipsFierce Reading Fluency

Kids love to sing and Teresa, a 1st Grade Teacher from Cincinnati, Ohio, taps into their love of performing to increase reading fluency. Check out how she lets students unleash their inner performers!

“To work on developing reading fluency we set up a “low tech” hallway “recording studio.” The studio consists of a desk and chair with recording equipment: a tape recorder, headphones, blank cassettes, and a microphone. The studio is surrounded by a cardboard study carrel. The children read their books into the recorder and play back to see how they sound. Thanks to this simple idea, I have seen vast improvement in reading fluency. And, from time to time, I have been surprised to hear some great singing from “Idol Wannabes” as well!” School communication

Catch Them Reading

Sometimes, secretly (or not so secretly!) celebrating students’ behavior is the best way to motivate them. This idea came from Devorah, a 1st Grade Teacher in Spring Valley, New York, who knows that a little mystery goes a long way in behavior management!

“My students had not been visiting our classroom library as often as I would like them to. So, to get students more interested and excited about our classroom library, I made up little awards that say:

“SHHH! It’s a secret! ______was caught in our library! I wonder what the book was about.”

The award features a picture of a detective. This award idea has definitely prompted more visitors to the library, as well as more discussion about books borrowed and read.” School communication app

Use Skits and Songs to Foster Fluency

Foster fluency with this fun idea by Linda, a 5th/6th Grade Teacher, from Fort Morgan, CO. “When focusing on fluency, I have children pair up and read aloud from poems and short skits. We also sing songs that correspond with units of study (usually related to social studies and science). I use my doc camera to display the lyrics on the screen and someone points to the words as we sing along. My students’ favorite song this year has been “The Ballad of Magellan.” School mobile app

Celebrate Super Readers

Celebrate readers with this idea by Jennifer, a 4th Grade Teacher, from Skiatook, OK. “Need a way to celebrate the readers in your room? Why not designate one student Super Reader of the Week? Each week I watch to see when a student is working hard, then choose him or her to be our next Super Reader. During silent reading time, the Super Reader is allowed to sit in my chair or at any other special place he or she chooses. I also send home a reading pencil and certificate to let parents know they are living with a Suuuuuuper Reader!”

Aim for Success

Aim for success with this idea by Cherie, a Teacher, in Hummelstown, PA. “In your Reading Corner, display a large paper bull’s eye complete with paper arrows, each labeled with a child’s name. Then label each ring of the target with a separate step to a reading goal (a number of sight words needed to master, number of books needed to read, etc.) you display in the center of the target. As students complete each step featured in each ring, they move their arrows accordingly in an effort to teach the bull’s eye!”

Boost Reading Comprehension

Save money with this helpful idea by Anna, a 1st Grade Teacher, from Shelby Township, MI. “Story mapping is a great strategy for building reading comprehension. To simplify the process of story mapping, I created an interactive bulletin board that doubles as a giant wipe-off story map. First, I print up the story map elements (title, author, characters, setting, etc.) on computer paper and place each printed element into an individual sheet protector. I then display each “map mat” on my story map bulletin board, along with fun graphics. When the students and I choose a book to map, we use wet erase markers to add details to each story-mapping element. When we are ready to map another story for our bulletin board, we simply wipe mats clean and reuse. (Tip: Sheet protectors can be used for many purposes other than story mapping. For example, try them for turning worksheets into wipe-off practice pages.)”

Create Clever Seating for Reading

Need a clever seating arrangement? Try this fun idea by Christina, a Kindergarten Teacher, in Newport News, VA. “I find that plastic laundry baskets (the low, rectangular kind) are perfect for helping define the number of spaces available in the silent independent reading areas in my class. The baskets are sized just right for little kindergarten readers to sit in. I simply place the desired number of baskets in the center. When the baskets are occupied, students know the reading center is full for now. (Tip: To make certain everyone gets a chance at some basket time, try posting a class list in a plastic page protector along with a wet erase marker. That way, students can cross their names off when done. Also, you can use additional baskets to store books and related activities.)”

Promote Differentiated Reading

“Differentiated reading instruction became easier once I decided to teach my kids how to choose books that are just right for them,” explained Wendi, a 2nd Grade Teacher, from Windsor, CT. “After I’m certain my students know how to select books they can read and enjoy, I schedule time for them to read. (They love reading while sitting on pillows around the room.) By the end of the school year, my 2nd graders are able to read independently for about 45 minutes, allowing me time to meet with guided reading groups or hold individual conferences. There’s also time for “look books” where kids can choose to read and enjoy any book regardless of its level. All this reading is completely differentiated as it’s based on reading levels and individual interests. I believe this approach keeps students motivated, exposes them to more complex text structures, and enables them to share ideas with friends while reading together.”

Use a Karaoke Machine!

Get into the act with this fun idea by Janine, a Title I Reading Teacher, from Pataskala, OH. “I have found that Karaoke is a great way to increase students’ reading fluency and comprehension levels. It’s also the perfect entertainment for your end-of-the-year class party. Karaoke machines are available in a variety of price ranges and have a number of fabulous applications for the classroom. Plus, because the words change colors as you say them, the machines offer important visual stimulation. Here are some tips for incorporating Karaoke into the classroom:

• As you play songs, project the lyrics so students can follow along. Offer students copies of song lyrics to take them home for practice (providing some fun experiences with repeated reading); students can then point to the words in class during performances.

• Ask children to discuss the new vocabulary and feelings that come up when you explore music and lyrics.

• Look for books and DVDs that include captions or sing-along versions to inspire and guide children.

• Experiment with different arrangements of singers. Remember, children love to sing solo, in duets, and in groups.

Getting students excited about reading isn’t always easy. As experienced teachers will attest to, the more ideas for generating enthusiasm about reading that you have in your bag of teaching tricks, the easier it is to get students excited to read. Here are some of our favorite ideas from Really Good Teachers across the country for making reading more exciting.

How to Get Kids Excited About ReadingWhat’s Missing?

“When introducing a new genre or before sharing a read aloud, I often tell students I am going to leave something out. For example, when reading Wayside School, a collection of 30 short stories by Louis Sachar, I tell my students that there is one story in the collection that does not tickle my sense of humor so I will not be reading it aloud in class,” says Fort Washington, Maryland, 3rd Grade Teacher, Cindy. “Of course, everyone wants to know the name of that story. I tell the students they will have to read the book on their own to figure it out. Our school librarian always knows when we’re reading this book: it’s the number one requested book in our school library.” Preschool app

Authentic Reading

Anna, a Kindergarten Teacher from Greenville, South Carolina gets her students’ families involved in generating enthusiasm for reading. “Each year, on Back-To-School night, I ask families to save their old birthday, get-well, and holiday greeting cards and donate them to our class card box,” she explains. “I file the card covers away according to sentiment and celebration and use them in our writing center throughout the year. The children love reading the card fronts and then flipping them over so they can personalize the blank backs. The children send messages to each other and their family members. We have even recycled the get-well cards to send good wishes to classmates and friends who are on the mend.” Parent Teacher Communication

Library Cards

To be successful teachers must have good communication skills, not only with their co-workers, administration, and students but with parents as well. One of the first things I learned when I became a teacher is the importance of Parent — Teacher Communication. I have found that when parents and teachers have good communication throughout the year the students are usually more successful. Parent Teacher Communication

First Impressions Can Make or Break Parent-Teacher Communication

I believe wholeheartedly that first impressions stick with a person. In my school district we have a “Meet the Teacher” evening the week before school starts where students and parents can come in and see their classroom, meet their teacher, and drop off supplies. This is my opportunity to make that everlasting good first impression. When students and parents walk in my room they see a warm and inviting classroom (I always have a theme in my room to make it feel even more special and united, this year it is Peace, Love, and 4th Grade Frogs). I make sure to greet every single child and their parents too. Acknowledging the parents and letting them know I look forward to working hand and hand to help their child be successful is my first step in building that relationship. School communication

On the first or second day of school I send home a parent questionnaire that I call “Parents as Partners” which asks questions about their child’s strengths and needs, what concerns they may have, what their child’s hobbies are and what a good teacher for their child is. During the very first week of school, no matter how busy I may be, I make it a point to call each and every parent/guardian to let them know how happy I am to have their child in my classroom. I also ask the parents if they have any questions and remind them that they shouldn’t ever hesitate to contact me.

By the end of the first week of school I have had at least three positive interactions with parents which will set a good tone right away. We must remember that parents are allies and all they want is what is best for their child. They want to know you will do what is best for their child and be an advocate for them while they are at school.

A couple of weeks into the school year we have our Parent Orientation Night. I usually have some chocolate or cookies set out for the parents. As parents walk in the room, I hand them a small magnet with my contact information and invite them to sit down. I start out by telling them once again how much I love being an educator and enjoy having their child in my class. I let them know that I want to hear from them throughout the year and I am providing them with a magnet that has all my contact info to keep on their refrigerator. I tell the parents a little about myself personally and then engage them in a conversation about my rules and expectations. Instead of just telling the parents about the rules and expectations I make them a part of it and provide them with a brochure/packet to take home.

Periodically throughout the year I send home positive notes, emails, and even make phone calls that make parents smile. This not only keeps the lines of communication open but lets the parents know you care by taking the time out of your busy schedule for their child. School communication app

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Differentiated Classrooms

“I have a differentiated classroom” is a phrase we often hear from teachers today. Most teachers differentiate learning by adding variety to classwork and daily lessons, putting “busy” children in close proximity, or using technology to enrich and engross the students in the lesson. But what about classroom environments? What about changing something as common as the chairs the students sit in or the desk at which they sit?

This question popped in my head as I was grading papers one night and my husband saw his usually scattered wife, lying on her stomach, much surprised at her strict focus. I was grading paper after paper, not moving an inch, and my ADHD was not an issue. I began to think on this, and how I could apply my focus discovery in my own classroom as a solution to students and their lack of focus and dwindling stamina. And why not use this in the classroom? It came to me what it would be like if my students were able to find a comfortable position in which they learned best.

Parent Teacher Communication

Flexible Seating

I did not invent “flexible seating”, but I began to look up what other classrooms were doing with different types of seating. As I researched, I realized what I was getting myself into and the price this new classroom could cost. So with budgetary constrictions, I started with telling my students, “Okay everyone, pick a spot around the room; make yourself a comfortable reading spot. For example, you may lie on your tummy or sit crisscross-applesauce, but you must try to stay focused.” This first trial effort proved worthy and children responded well. Even with the simplicity (not to mention it’s free!) of a student getting to lie on the floor or sit crisscrossed there was a difference. I found an increase in focus, leading to an increase in stamina, leading to an increase in educational growth! Perhaps not the Holy Grail I was looking for, but it was an improvement. This year I decided to amp up my differentiated classroom to a higher level and add more flexible seating!Childcare Software

Stimulation

I know what many teachers might be thinking, “Kids are too stimulated. Why can’t they just sit in a regular chair and at a regular desk?” Well, I partially agree. Children are at times too stimulated with technology, media, and a busy world. They often have everything they need at their fingertips, and are constantly entertained, but it is still my job to teach this new generation of learners.Preschool app

In my classroom this year, children can use the old stand by of desk and chair as well as bean bag chairs, “wobble” chairs, bouncy balls, beach chairs, yoga mats, and “comfy” corners. With flexible seating, I have a more productive classroom and happier learners. For example, my wobble chairs serve many different purposes. These chairs have rounded bottoms that causes the chair to wobble in all directions. It helps students who are becoming restless and gives them the opportunity to move a little. The wobble chairs work the students legs, core, and back, giving them a little exercise while doing classwork! With this differentiated style, students are able to focus better on their lessons, and they are able to focus on me as I teach. They choose where they learn best. It is not a problem-free environment, but most problems are easily remedied. The students are empowered knowing they have created their own success. They figure out where they learn best! They feel empowered, and I feel triumphant with their success. Win, win!!

Parent advantages

Superb determine-school communications advantage parents. The way wherein schools talk and engage with parents impacts the extent and satisfactory of parents’ domestic involvement with their children’s getting to know. For example, colleges that communicate horrific information approximately pupil overall performance more often than spotting college students’ excellence will discourage discern involvement by means of making parents feel they can’t efficiently assist their youngsters.

Parents also advantage from being concerned of their children’s education through getting ideas from school on how to assist and help their kids, and with the aid of studying extra approximately the college’s academic application and the way it works. Possibly maximum important, dad and mom advantage by means of becoming more confident about the value of their college involvement. Mother and father expand a greater appreciation for the essential role they play in their kid’s education.School communication app

Whilst communicating with parents, do not forget your feedback with regards to the three categories that impact how mother and father participate. As an example, are you speaking about:

Classroom studying sports?

The kid’s accomplishments?

How the mother and father can assist at domestic with their toddler’s gaining knowledge of?

Scholar advantages

Considerable evidence exists showing that discern involvement benefits college students, which includes elevating their instructional fulfillment. There are different advantages for youngsters when mother and father become worried — namely, increased motivation for getting to know, advanced behavior, more ordinary attendance, and a greater nice mind-set about homework and college in fashionable.School communication app

Trainer advantages

Research indicates that parental involvement can free instructors to cognizance more at the venture of coaching kids. Also, with the aid of having greater contact with dad and mom, instructors study greater about college students’ desires and domestic environment, that is statistics they could observe closer to better assembly those needs. Dad and mom who’re concerned tend to have a greater high-quality view of teachers, which ends up in advanced instructor morale.

Accurate two-manner communique

Precise two-way conversation among households and colleges is necessary for your college students’ achievement. Now not rather, research suggests that the more mother and father and instructors share applicable information with every other about a scholar, the better prepared both might be to assist that pupil gain academically.

Opportunities for 2-manner communique include:

Parent meetings

Discern-instructor corporations or college community councils

Weekly or monthly folders of pupil work despatched domestic for determine evaluation and remark

Smartphone calls

Electronic mail or college website

Conversation strategies

School mobile app

Non-public contact, inclusive of conferences, domestic visits, telephone calls, and curriculum nights or open houses, appears to be the simplest form of communique and may be a number of the maximum familiar. But, the establishment of effective faculty-domestic communication has grown extra complicated as society has modified. The first-rate range amongst families method that it is not possible to rely upon a unmarried method of conversation with a view to attain all houses with a given message. It’s far essential that a ramification of techniques, tailored to the desires of specific families and their schedules, be integrated into an average plan. Some techniques to recall encompass:

Determine newsletters

Annual open houses

Curriculum nights

Domestic visits (where relevant)

Cellphone calls

Annual school calendars

Inserts in nearby newspapers

Annual grandparents or “unique people” days

Board of schooling spokesperson or communications officer at pta conferences

Homework hotlines

Annual subject days

Notices and handouts in nearby markets, clinics, churches, mosques, temples, or other amassing websites

Website for the school

Workshops for parents

Communications that are centered on fathers in addition to moms

Effective verbal exchange techniques involve:

Initiation: instructors must provoke contact as quickly as they recognise which students could be in their lecture room for the school year. Touch can occur with the aid of an introductory cellphone name or a letter to the home introducing yourself to the parents and establishing expectations.

Timeliness: adults need to make contact soon after a problem has been identified, so a well timed answer may be discovered. Ready too long can create new issues, probable through the frustration of those worried.

Consistency and frequency: dad and mom need frequent, ongoing remarks about how their kids are performing with homework.

Comply with-via: parents and instructors every need to peer that the opposite will truely do what they say they will do.

Readability and usefulness of communique: parents and instructors need to have the information they want to assist college students, in a shape and language that makes sense to them.school communications

Surprise a determine

Dad and mom are not conversant in hearing unsolicited effective comments from instructors approximately their kids, specifically in a phone name from the school. Believe how you’ll feel, as a figure, if you have been contacted with the aid of a teacher or the faculty main and advised that your son or daughter changed into doing properly in school, or that your baby had triumph over a learning or conduct trouble. When you make calls to share effective statistics with parents, be prepared for them to sound amazed-pleasantly surprised.

Establishing a strong bond with the families of your students is vital. Good and frequent communication is key. Some of our Really Good Teachers share how they nurture the bonds between home and school in the tips below.

Parent-Teacher Communication

IdeasHelp Students Note Their Thanks

“Whenever we enjoy a snack donation from home,” says Gilda from Weatherford, Texas, “I help my kindergarten students write a thank you note to the parent who donated the snack. I create a one-page template that allows each student to provide a self-portrait. I then make copies of the blank template to use throughout the year. After drawing our smiling faces in the spaces provided, we take turns writing or dictating a note to go with the portrait page. Parents love receiving our notes, and my students learn the importance of expressing appreciation for even small kindnesses.”

How E-mail Helps Students Take Charge of Their Own School Progress

Vicki, a 4–6 Grade Reading Teacher in Rineyville, Kentucky makes use of email with her students. “I no longer phone home when students have difficulty adhering to rules or are missing assignments. Now, I have students e-mail their parents to notify them of the situation as well as to offer students a chance to explain and offer solutions for next time,” she explains.

“This approach allows student to be accountable for their actions. It also provides students’ parents and me with insight into their thought process that may be preventing them from doing their best, and allows us all a peek at the students’ own ideas for helping themselves. That way, their parents and I can support the students’ efforts or guide them in different directions. I also encourage students to e-mail parents with positive progress reports and stories of solutions that have worked well.”

Recipe Writing Exercise Informs Families of Children’s Food Preferences

“Here’s a twist on an old favorite,” explains Cindy, a 3rd Grade Teacher from Eaton, Ohio. “Instead of asking kids to bring in a favorite recipe from home, help them locate and record recipes in school that they wish they and their families could make at home. ”Parent Teacher Communication

“To do this in my class, I borrow several books of kids’ recipes from our public library. I give my students large recipe cards and invite them to copy one or more recipes they wish they could sample,” she says. “On the flip side of the card, I have them jot a note to parents telling them why they think this would be a fun recipe to try. Some students report that their families really did make the recipes at home. At the very least, families got a peek into their child’s preferences, and my students had some practice in authentic reading and writing.”Preschool app

Weekly Newsletter Connects Families to Classroom Happenings

side from the holidays, back-to-school is the busiest shopping season in the U.S. in a given year. In fact, some view it as a trend line for how consumers will behave in the period between the end of summer and the beginning of the holidays.

For generations, back-to-school shopping was a seminal parent-child experience immortalized in movies and sitcoms. Basic setup: child and parent arrive at big box store. Child wants off-task stuff, i.e. fun backpack. Parent trying desperately to stick to school-provided list. Hilarity ensues!

Well, like most experiences — from shopping to Starbucks and back again — back-to-school shopping is going more and more mobile.

The stats on mobile back-to-school shopping

62% of millennials headed back to school this fall plan to shop with a smartphone, with 80% planning to shop online generally.

18% of 18–24 year-old back-to-school shoppers will use Apple Pay this year to make a purchase, with about 10% using Android Pay.

85% of YouTube video views about back-to-school ideas, such as Target’s campaign last year with “official college stylists” showing how to decorate dorm rooms, are viewed on mobile. Between mid-July and late-August, the viewing times for those videos jump 70% relative to other parts of the year.

The whole deal is beginning earlier and earlier: according to Google’s own 2016 research, July 11th week was when back-to-school mobile searches started rising drastically. That’s a full week earlier than 2015.

Here’s the rub, though: many of these stats are about the back-to-schoolers themselves, but oftentimes kids don’t have their own money, summer jobs be darned. So are parents in on this mobile revolution? Yes. According to Rubicon Project, 60% of them plan to use mobile for back-to-school shopping this year. 30% plan to do a quarter or more of their shopping on mobile.

uses back-to-school to entice mobile shoppers

Clearly, marketers who don’t want to be left behind need to take advantage of the ever-growing number of mobile shopping. Like J.C. Penney; best-known as a brick and mortar brand, this year they released a campaign around “Back To School Shopping Made Easier.” The crux of it, including a video set to “Here Comes The Hotstepper,” is all about driving mobile app installs. When a user installs the J.C. Penney app, they get a $10 back-to-school credit.

J.C. Penney takes advantage of back-to-school shopping to reach more mobile shoppers, and boost app installs.

That was the first time in its history J.C. Penney crafted a TV spot pushing people to mobile, but it was time: according to their own data, their app users visit stores 3x more and purchase 3.5x more than non-app users.

Times are changin’.

What does this mean for mobile back-to-school strategy?

It all means several things, starting with “You should have one.” You’ll want to consider:School communication

Ease of experience. Generationally, back-to-school shopping is focused on Gen X (parents), millennials (students and possibly parents of young students by now), and Gen Z (students). All three of those generations have enough life experience with mobile that their expectations have a certain bar. For example: accoring to Corra, over 60% of users leave apps or mobile e-commerce sites because of slow load, poor navigation, or generally clunky UX. Back-to-school shopping can be stressful. (Always has been.) If you’re adding to that stress on mobile, you won’t get those sales.

Video. You see those YouTube stats above. Students and their parents want ideas for dorm rooms, desk organization (for younger students), backpacks, etc. and short videos are a great way to reach people. Target partnered with influencers that already had a youth following. That might not be in every company’s budget, but you can still make a short, fun video for either in-app usage or to drive app installs.

Snap and Insta. 80% of Gen Z (the youngest back-to-school shoppers) are influenced by social media posts, with that generation specifically focused on Snap and Instagram. Gurjit Sandhu, a senior marketing specialist at Yes Lifecycle Marketing, recently told Retail Dive that “It’s about making things visual and providing value added content. What appeals more to [consumers] is the personal connection, the human touch. Having a narrative, having that story in terms of back-to-school I think would be very advantageous for retailers.” Sandhu also suggests utilizing offers within social, be it organic or tied to an ad campaign.

App partnerships. Consider that Cozi, a family organization app, just reached 20 million active users.There are dozens of others in that space, too. Consider partnering with a place where families are already organizing information, i.e. back-to-school lists, and giving them easy access to deals and offers right from an app they’re already using.

Cozi helps families stay on top of busy schedules and long to-do lists.

In-app payment options. Although mobile users are generally slow to fully trust certain mobile payment systems, it’s true that in-app payment options are rising. (You can see above that 30% of consumers will use either Apple or Android Pay this back-to-school season.) Consider convenient in-app payment options as well.School communication app

The bottom line on back-to-school shopping and mobile marketing

You’ve all seen Broad City, right? Hannibal Burress’ character always says “KWP,” or “Keys Wallet Phone.” Those are the three things you never leave home without. Well, the reality since that joke sequence was first dropped is this: for many people, KWP is one device now, that being your smartphone. Many long-standing in-person, brick-and-mortar traditions — like back-to-school shopping or “braving the holiday crowds” — were logically going to move over to mobile and digital. Now it’s about how companies capture those shoppers in those periods of huge potential revenue.School mobile app

Did you know that more than 50% of the world population uses smartphone? With the total number of active mobile internet users crossing 3.44 billion, mobile has revolutionized the way we live our lives. From shopping to business, we have embraced mobile in all activities. Parent-teacher communication is no exception and smartphones have changed the way we communicate.

If you are above 30 years of age and reading this you may remember your teachers and parents communicating via paper notes or home diaries. Some schools moved to email and SMS with the introduction of internet in the 2000s. However, last five years has completely changed the face of parent teacher communication with the growing penetration of mobile phones. Educators and parents soon realized that internet could be used to solve many problems faced in parent teacher communication.

Communication before the Age of Smartphones

Parent –teacher interaction was previously limited to quarterly meetings in the school. This would leave the parent completely in the dark about how their child spends majority of the day.School communication app

Contacting teachers on a daily basis was not an option and staying updated on the class schedule, assignments and reports was a task. Making leave request or request for special care to your child required exchange of multiple mails. Having a face to face discussion for feedback with the teacher would mean cancelling your work meetings and taking a day off.

How Smartphone has improved Communication

The age of smartphone has bridged the communication gap between parents and teachers. Consider the following features smartphone apps provide for parent teacher communication:

Teacher connect — Teachers and parents can exchange messages through a chat window at any time. Leave applications, feedback or special requests can be sent instantly. Since this is a two-way communication platform, the interaction is quicker than emails.School communication

Class Updates — Teachers can create a class group and add parents. Class activities, upcoming tests, educational trip photos and voice messages can be sent to parents. Parents can keep a check on their child from time to time and remain involved in their learning.

School Calendar– School calendar can be shared by the teacher to all parents. This calendar will update parents on upcoming assessment tests, class schedule, extracurricular activities, educational trips and much more at one glance. Parents can sync this calendar with their phone calendar to set reminders. No more checking the school diary for tomorrow’s schedule.

Forms and Applications — Permission forms and leave applications can be filled online and sent from a smartphone. This means less paper work for parents and teachers. School trip permissions, application to new courses and absence application can be sent at the push of a button,School mobile app

Parent Community– Being a working parent and managing all the school responsibility can get overwhelming at times. Parents are expected to make it to the teachers meet, school events, pick and drop children, shop for projects, prepare children for exams and help in assignments. Smartphones put parents in touch with other parents in the class and help to develop a community. This helps to form a support system for parents when they need it. Parents can discuss common parenting issues and share responsibilities. An active community can give a lot of relief and security to both parents and teachers

Child’s Safety — Improved communication between parents and teachers has also increased safety of children. Attendance status is updated immediately and absence of child from school is communicated to parents at once. Parents are kept updated of any delay in school activities and do not have to worry in case of child’s late arrival.