As a new Campus Reading Specialist this year, part of my job is to teach daily pullout classes for students with dyslexia. I love this part because I still get student interaction each day, just with smaller classes and a different focus! I knew at the beginning of the year, that even though we weren't in the traditional classroom setting, I wanted a way to keep parents up-to-date on what we were working on in our class, send them photos and videos of student progress, and have an easy way to post reminders. Thank goodness for ClassTag! This app helps teachers communicate with parents in an organized and efficient way. It allows parents in your classes to connect with each other, helps get the word out about events, provides weekly summaries, and so much more! Here are just a few of the reasons that you'll love ClassTag just as much as I do...
CLASS DIRECTORY
With ClassTag, it is so easy to access the classroom directory and contact parents. You can send codes to parents to download the app and become part of your classroom. By joining a class, parents can connect with one another if they need to contact another parent, too! I love this feature because it allows for the community of the class to grow and for the easiest communication when planning class parties, field trips, and birthdays!
LOTS OF ACTIVITIES
There are so many different things to do on ClassTag! Not only can you share what your students are doing in their class with parents, you can also request volunteers for your class, organize events, set up parent-teacher conferences, and add to-do items to be completed. When requesting volunteers and organizing events, parents can sign up to help with whatever you need, and they can also sign up to contribute items to your classroom. Creating to-do items lets you determine if you need just one parent to bring something or if everyone needs to do something, like return a form! The possibilities are endless! I love the parent-teacher conference feature because it lets parents choose time slots that you designated, and it will also send out reminders when parents have a scheduled conference. No more stress during conference week!
ASK FOR HELP
As I’ve gotten to know the ClassTag app, I feel like I’ve also gotten to know the ClassTag team, and they are GREAT! Whenever you can’t find something on the app or need help, there is a chat feature on their website that gives you instant access to a ClassTag expert. They are so helpful and kind! And quick, too! ClassTag also sends out emails with tips and tricks to make sure you’re getting the most out of the app. I love knowing that I’m taken care of and supported by this amazing company!
SEND PICTURES AND VIDEOS
I love the story feature where you can send pictures and videos to the whole class, or just individual groups or parents. I know my parents love seeing what goes on at school, so they always enjoy getting a ClassTag story update! Another quick and easy fabulous feature.
STATS
In the “Stats” tab, you can see the engagement levels of each class member, check out if they’re being reached by the app, see if they have RSVP’d to events, or make sure that everyone has completed something on the to-do list. I love this feature because it allows you to instantly email or contact a class member if you need to check in with them about something they need to see!
TRANSLATIONS
AMAZING! As someone who knows how difficult it can be to build relationships with parents who speak a different language, this just might be my favorite feature! With over 50 languages available, ClassTag is able to send out messages and communications in the language that your parents choose! This will save teachers time and effort with translating and also help parents and students feel more connected to the class. In addition, all messages go to whatever source the parents choose, whether it be email, SMS text, through the website, or in print!
ARCHIVE AND WEEKLY SUMMARY
Easily access all of your past messages and contacts in the archives section and send out a weekly update all in the “Summary” tab! I love having past messages in one place for reference. The summary feature is great because it serves a purpose of keeping parents up-to-date on what happened in your classroom each week, without having to worry about making a separate newsletter or take home sheet. The weekly summary can also let parents know if there are events coming up or things they’ve signed up for through the ClassTag app. This is so helpful for when teachers need a reminder of things, too! The app will also automatically send out a summary if there is anything planned for the next week. ClassTag is always one step ahead!
GET REWARDS
YES! An app that allows you to earn ClassTag Coins to get actual rewards for your activity! WHAT! You can earn ClassTag Coins for adding parents to your classroom community, for engaging parents in your class with events and reminders, and for referring other teachers to this awesome app. Cash out your ClassTag Coins for things like gift cards from Teachers Pay Teachers and Amazon, books, and even games for your students! Rewards are free to teachers and funded by companies and products who simply want to help teachers! Check out some of the awesome rewards below!
Megan