Sub Plans, Surveys, Tasks

Gmail is our form of communication and email  in our district, so I use Gmail daily.

Student Communication - I have found that students are NOT nearly as regular about checking email as adults. They tend to check twitter, instagram, snapchat and facebook more regularly. With that being said, I use Gmail for classroom instructions when I am absent. I have found sending an email to students with the instructions and expectations for the day puts the responsibility on the student rather than the substitute teacher. This helps to minimize the excuses of "The sub didn't tell us to do that."

Gmail is also a good tool to send out mass mailings and surveys throughout the school year. In addition to being a classroom teacher, I am also the Student Council advisor, so we utilize Gmail in sending out surveys for Homecoming dress up days, court nominees and various student feedback.

Parent Communication - With online grading, parents have the ability to check their student's grades at any time. Prior to this feature, I would send out monthly parent emails to notify them of upcoming assignments, tests or projects. I have gone away from this practice, but I am sure some parents would enjoy the open communication.

Something I would like to experiment more with is the Tasks list. I make "to do" lists all the time but haven't utilized this feature in Gmail. Thanks for the tip!

FYI - I am taking this course for credit.

"I have found sending an email to students with the instructions and expectations for the day puts the responsibility on the student rather than the substitute teacher. This helps to minimize the excuses of "The sub didn't tell us to do that." "

I really like this idea and appreciate the fact that this communication can help to eliminate some of the snafus that have a tendency to occur on days when I am subbing. The "No excuses" idea works both ways and it would be very pleasant for me as a sub to walk into a classroom and say "Your teacher has emailed all of you a copy of your assignment for today..."

Ditto That!  It is always great when the expectations are made clear to everyone!!