Create a template on the computer that you can use over and over.
Use the cut and paste feature of the computer to cut out unwanted information and insert the new events and information.
Keep the sections the same for each newsletter so that you don't have to make it up from scratch each time.
Ideas to include in a Newsletter
Upcoming topics / concepts and/or units being taught
Birthdays
Thank-you section for parents, students, and volunteers
Field trips / Special Events
Activities to do with students at home
New teaching / learning strategies
Test-taking skills to practice at home
Critical thinking skills
By including a section that explains the latest teaching/learning techniques and theories, you can help parents understand why your classroom may be different from one they are used to.
Top 10 Ways to Involve Parents in the Classroom
Tutor students in a specific area
Read to students
Guest Speaker
Model real-life applications of concepts learned
Help monitor learning centers or lab stations
Help with school-wide events / projects
Help with a culminating activity for a unit of study
Chaperone a field trip
Bring in needed supplies for a special project
Help with a classroom newsletter to other parents
Using Parents As Guest Speakers
Don't just use parents to speak about their job. There are all sorts of ways you can get them involved! For example, you might have a stay-at-home mom come in to show students how measurement is used in preparing a meal, OR how fractions are used in making meals.
Another idea might be to have a parent who is in construction show students how they use math in their job.
