Easy Ideas for a Classroom Newsletter in Middle School

As teachers we are BUSY. Between teaching, lesson planning, grading, meetings, extra duty assignments...you name it...teachers do it! A vital part of teacher and student success in a classroom is something that can easily get pushed to the wayside...regular parent/guardian communication. With the use of email, communicating with families is easier than ever before.

Here are three tips to make communicating with families a breeze:

Tip #1 - Send Your Newsletter Electronically

Stay out of that copy room, my friend! Regular (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly) communication with families doesn't need to be printed out and sent home with students unless a student's family doesn't have access to the internet or email. You can simply write your message in a mass email (don't forget to BCC parent emails!) or use a template, save it as a PDF and attach it to your email. 

Speaking of templates...

Tip #2 - Use a Newsletter Template

Design your own template in Canva, Microsoft Word or Google Docs or use some templates specifically designed for Social Studies teachers teaching Ancient History or American History (check them out here!) to expedite the process of designing professional-looking newsletters. If you'd rather not take the traditional newsletter route, a simple email will be perfect!

Tip #3 - Fill the Newsletter with AWESOME

Each newsletter you send should serve a purpose...sometimes multiple purposes! A positive, uplifting and timely newsletter can promote a positive relationship between the teacher and families. Not sure what to include in your newsletter? Keep this list handy and choose a few each time!

1. Upcoming due dates

2. Recent class activities

3. Student work samples

4. Upcoming test dates

5. Study strategies

6. School-wide events

7. Donation requests

8. Student Spotlight

9. Supplemental activities

10. Helpful blog posts

Challenge yourself to send one newsletter or email update to your students' families within the next week. It is truly amazing to see the positive benefits of regular contact with families!

Happy Teaching!

A Classroom Favorite: Historical Thinking Skills Web Quest

I love creating engaging activities for students which bring history to life in my classroom. Before my middle school social studies classes dive into the study of history in depth, we always start off the year with a unit about historical thinking. Students learn about the differences between primary and secondary sources and how to analyze historical documents. These basic skills will be a significant part of our units of study throughout the year, so it's an important topic to teach at the start of the school year!

One of the activities I love to use with my students is a Historical Thinking Web Quest (click the link!) which you can download for FREE! 

What is a web quest? A web quest is a digital scavenger hunt. Students use multiple types of sources on the internet to discover answers to questions. It's a great way to introduce new concepts or review previously learned material.

In the Historical Thinking Skills Web Quest, students will visit two websites and watch a YouTube video to learn about the differences between primary and secondary sources, understand how to analyze historical documents and even practice their skills by analyzing a famous painting from American history! There's also a Check Your Knowledge section at the end that prompts students to review their new knowledge of historical thinking skills.

Oh...AND the free download includes a printable PDF and a link to a Google Slides version as well for all my techy teachers. :)

I absolutely love working alongside amazing Social Studies teachers like you and I can't wait for you to try this web quest in your own classroom! 

Happy Teaching!