Teacher Web sites are an integral component of home-school communication. If designed well, a teacher Web site can save the teacher time, and the parents' frustration, by providing up-to-date information that is easily accessible.

As you plan your site, take stock of the types of things you send home with students and think about your needs and the needs of your parents. Are the notices and flyers something that would be effective on your Web site? You may want to take a look at the sites of teachers in your area to see what they have included.

You will likely want to keep some items on your site for a long period of time. As you are writing these pieces, be careful not to cite specific dates so the information is always timely. When including links, be sure to check these often to ensure the link still exists. Some of the long-term articles and tidbits could include:

• Teacher biography
• Class rules
• Link to your school or district’s Web site
• Link to your e-mail address
• Links to your curriculum’s online resources that can help extend learning at home
• Special area schedule (if applicable)
  

 

To keep your students and parents returning to your site, change time-sensitive information often. And let parents know when those changes will be made, such as every Monday or Friday. You want to include items that are meaningful to parents and students that will be used often so the first visit isn’t the last. Some important pieces to include:

• Homework assignments
• Links to sites that can help with homework (For example, during science fair season, include sites that can help students generate ideas)
• Announcements of upcoming events
• Spotlights of student work
• Spelling lists (if applicable)
• Recommended reading lists

The Internet is an endless resource for students, parents, and teachers. Do some research and ask around so you have the most up-to-date and helpful information possible. Most importantly, edit what you write and update it often. As you familiarize yourself with the process of building a Web site, you will be able to add more features to benefit your audience. Be sure to read our tips on writing the content for each piece of your site.

 

 

 

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• Compile a list of links to homework helps and resources that will be useful to your students by adding a "resource" page to your classroom site.
  

• Add a section to your resource page for parenting tips, particularly as it relates to helping students succeed at school. Select articles that are of particular interest to your student's age levels.
  

• Now that you've added the critical links to your resources page, add a section for the fun stuff. This can include links to sites that offers puzzles, educational games, word games, and educational activities so fun your student's won't know they are learning.

• Create links to author's Web sites for the books you'll be having them read during the year. This will generate more enthusiasm about the books they will learn to love and an appreciation for the authors.