DIY Webpage Part 3: Page Suggestions

Do you ever look at another teacher's website and find yourself feeling both impressed and overwhelmed at the same time? For me, even though the actual task felt a bit overwhelming, the interesting and creative content inspired me to try to make my own site. I didn't know where to start, but now that I've figured it out, I'd like to offer a few tips in hopes that I can make this process smoother for other educators. 

In my previous article, I discussed determining the purpose for your website in order to decide whether a blog format or a webpage/website format is more beneficial for your particular class. I also provided an article with a step-by-step guide to setting up a basic website. Now I will take some time to offer tips for the different pages you can include if you decide to go with the website format. Consider this article as a simple guide to get you started! 

1. Homework

One of the most frequently included pages is a homework page. This is a highly beneficial page for students (and parents) when kids forget to write their homework assignment down. Not only does it help them stay on track, it increases the amount of homework that actually gets turned in. If your site has a homework page, it goes without saying that it should be updated daily. However, I also recommend that you clearly state that students are responsible for all homework even if it is not listed on the website, as there is a significant chance you will forget to post it at least one night during the year. This also teaches your students responsibility. As they continue on to higher education, professors may spring an assignment on them that is not in the syllabus. Learning responsibility for one's assignments sooner can help prepare your pupils for life beyond your classroom.  

2. Lunch Menu

How frequently do lunch menus get lost? OFTEN! Having this as an easy resource can help those rushing parents in the morning. For most schools, there is a rotating lunch schedule that repeats, usually on a four-week basis. Scan this document at the beginning of the school year, post it on your page, and you won't need to worry about touching the page again unless there is a change. 

3. Volunteer Information

On this webpage, you can provide information for day-to-day needs or information for specific events. Consider what needs you have for your room and when you might need extra parent helpers. Then create a Google form or a submission window where parents or community members can fill out their volunteer information right on your webpage. You'll most likely get more volunteers and materials because the form doesn't get lost in a paper pile at home, and you won't have a pile of forms in your classroom either. 

4. Announcements

Do you have an upcoming fundraiser or field trip? Inform parents and students all about it right here. PDF’s are simple to create. Simply create or scan the forms needed for the event into your computer and post them on this page. All parents need to do is print and go!

5. Class Information

During the few weeks prior to a new school year, post what supplies your pupils will need for the year. As the year progresses, you can post your necessary updates, such as requests for tissues in February. With permission from all of the parents, you could even post every student's name. This is especially useful at Valentine's Day, but parents will also refer to this information throughout the year for sports teams, birthday parties, etc. Grading policies and classroom rules and expectations can also be posted here.

6. School Information

Possibilities of what questions a parent might have in regard to the school calendar, policies, or contact information are ceaseless.  Eliminate their need to look elsewhere by posting it on your webpage. A link to the school website could also be posted here, and it might eliminate extra work. 

7. Student Resources

Do you wish to provide your students with homework help? Have outside websites attached to your textbook or curriculum? Need to provide guidelines for APA formatting? Post it right here for all those times when links are lost.  

8. Get to Know Your Teacher

Many times parents wish to know their children’s teachers better, but for a variety of reasons are unable to spend much time in school activities. Provide a glimpse for them into who you are. Whether you make it look like a formal resume or like a fun biography you might post outside your classroom for a Back-to-School Night is up to you. Some possible things to include on this page would be where you are from, where you went to school, how long you have been teaching, and possibly a hobby or two.  

9. Photo Gallery

A photo gallery can be an awesome way for parents to see what is happening in your classroom. Capture those moments that parents love to see, but that they sometimes miss.  Before posting, remember to get permission from all of your parents before you post any pictures or classwork. (By law (COPPA), you MUST have a signed, parental permission slip to post a picture of a child under the age of thirteen.)  

Related Resources:

Back-to-School Night Basics, Speeding up Grading With Online Resources, Six Ways to Effectively Use Classroom Volunteers