Over the years we’ve gone through several newsletter variations including traditional written updates and video newsletters. This year, we’re revamping it once again and trying a written newsletter with a QR code link to the latest pictures and videos. Click HERE or the picture below for the free template. Some ideas to refresh your newsletter:
- Hyperlinks in Curriculum Updates: Consider adding links to helpful resources within the curriculum updates section. Then turn the newsletter into a PDF before emailing it to parents so that the links work. This makes it a usable resources for parents, rather than an “FYI”.
- QR Code Photos in Dropbox: Create a Dropbox account and dump all your photos into a folder. Turn the link to that folder into a QR code and put that on your newsletter. Doing it this way means you don’t ever have to change out the QR code on your newsletter because it will always link to the designated Dropbox folder. Makes life super easy.
- Quotes: Add a fun quote. This is probably my favorite part of our newsletter. We always add an educational or curriculum-themed quote on the newsletter. You can also do a mini-lesson on these quotes by reading the newsletter with your kids and having them talk about the meaning of the quote. Parents will love it too because who doesn’t love a good quote?
Incorporating the Newsletter Into Your Lessons
I like the concept of everything having a purpose in education. So, why not turn the class newsletter into a lesson for the kiddos? Here are some ideas for doing just that.
- Read the newsletters aloud together and then reflect on the previous week in a journal.
- Assign a class reporter for the week and have them write a section of the newsletter. For example, always have them do the reading update or the special blurb at the bottom.
- Assign a class photographer to take the photos for the newsletter. Depending on their grade and ability, they can upload them to Dropbox for you.
- Have kids get in partner groups and read the newsletter. Assign them one section to reenact for the class as a newscast every Friday.
- Before your publish your newsletter, add a few mistakes. Have the kids hunt through to find them before you publish it. Honestly, they often catch errors I did not put in the newsletter intentionally.
What are some of your ideas for incorporating newsletters into your weekly lessons?
