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June is Effective Communication Month

As educators, we know that effective communication comes in many formats, and the best option truly depends on the strengths of the individual student. In this section, we’re sharing resources students can use to communicate through podcasts, videos, blogs, and more. 

Grades 2-12

OK2Ask: Engage & Inspire: Podcasting in the Classroom

Register and immediately view this virtual workshop archive to understand how you can plan, produce, and publish podcasts for free to support your classroom goals. Learn ways to use podcasting in the classroom and explore podcasting tools.

Grades 4-12

Telescope

Design a no-fuss yet visually appealing blog. Begin by creating a new blog, adding a title, and typing or pasting text into a post. Use the plus sign to insert text, or click the icon to find the additional options to add images and links.

Grades K-12

Adobe Spark Video Maker

Produce and share professional-looking videos by following the prompts. Begin your creation using a story template or start from scratch. Add videos, slides, text, music, and more to your projects. Students can add their own voices to the presentation.

Grades K-12

Synth

Create short podcasts (up to 30 minutes long), thread bits of existing podcasts together, add comments, and moderate channels. To create a recording, click Get Started on the Web or the Apple App Store link, then select Create a Channel or Podcast.

Grades 2-12

Fake Text Message

Discover this tool that creates images that look like screenshots of text messages. Use the editing tools to include a contact name, a series of messages, and the time, battery life, and more. When finished editing, choose the link to create and share.

Communicate with Students, Parents, and Colleagues

If you are looking for some engaging and effective ways to communicate with your families or colleagues, look no further than these fabulous finds! Read all about each of the tools and find the ideal tool to enhance your own communication.

Grades K-6

Class123

This must-see classroom management tool contains several features for communicating with students and parents. Parents or students sign up with a provided code. Once enrolled, members receive and send communications privately.

Grades K-12

Konstella

Create an account with your email to share messages, pictures, and files. Add tasks, organize events, and assign roles. Members of your Konstella groups receive a weekly digest of upcoming events. There is an option to send urgent messages immediately.

Grades K-12

Slack

Try this real-time messaging tool for teams that includes archiving and search features. Create channels for different groups or teams and share messages, files, and images. File drag-and-drop works with Google Docs, Twitter, and more.

Grades K-12

SpeakPipe

Install this widget on your blog or website so readers can send you an audio message of up to 90 seconds in length. The message goes to your Speakpipe inbox, and you receive an email notification. This is a great way for families to ask you a question.

Grades K-12

Bloomz

Bloomz is an all-in-one communication center for your class. Share photos, schedule conferences, send reminders, share calendar updates, schedule volunteers, and more. Watch the introduction video for more details about this multi-purpose tool.

This Week at TeachersFirst

We wish all of our fathers a Happy Father's Day! Registration for our summer virtual workshops continues—save your seat and invest in your professional learning. This week, we’re also sharing a blog post connected to communication and a related weekly poll.