Allow's go existent: It'due south fourth dimension for the states to implement a instructor-to-parent communication app that is used on both sides of the conversation. And non just the über-involved room parents or those glued to their smartphones—allthe parents.

We think LivingTree can be the reply.

LivingTree is a free desktop and mobile app that is easy to install, intuitive to use and therefore increases the actual usage by your students' parents, allowing you to attain and connect with every family. When we ask parents and caregivers to utilise multiple apps—one for classroom sign-ups, some other for behavior reports, still another for text notifications—total employ goes down. LivingTree enables us to wipe the slate clean and give our parents one place to get all the information they need, fostering a true partnership between school and home.

Here are the LivingTree features we remember you lot and your students' families will appreciate:

ane. Text Notifications
If there is one way to make parents' lives easier, it's quick, efficient texts such as "Reminder: No instrumental music tomorrow!" or "Remember to bring a sack lunch for the field trip." We like how LivingTree gives teachers consummate control over how to send notifications to parents, then you can tailor those updates for your classroom civilization and students' ages.

LivingTree Text

2. Calendar
Parents receive numerous calendars—from you the teacher, from school, from the PTA, even after-schoolhouse clubs. Give your parent community the gift of all events and schedules in ane central location. The LivingTree calendar is easy for teachers to update (you lot can hands load iCals and sync with Outlook and Google Calendar), and the calendar is front and center on the app for parents.

LivingTree Calendar

iii. Options for District Integration
Dissimilar some apps that focus only on stand-alone classrooms, LivingTree has the ability to set school- and commune-wide integration. This long-game thinking tin can increase communication beyond the single school year, also as successfully connect with parents who take children in multiple classrooms and schools. District and school leadership can gear up accounts and provide teachers with logins, truly centralizing information.

iv. Closed Network for Grouping Conversations
Forget establishing a separate Facebook, Google or Yahoo! group for your classroom. Instead, house your grade "list serv" right on the app the parents are already checking for updates and assignments. The conversation characteristic increases engagement with your students' parents likewise as creates a community of your classroom's families.

LivingTree Conversation

5. Directly Messaging
In addition to the group convos, LivingTree allows parents to directly message yous with their suggestions and concerns. The ease of one-to-i advice within the app makes true connections with the parents easier and more likely to happen; now they will not take to leave your classroom app in order to e-postal service you lot in a separate tab. It's merely another way to deepen trust and relationships with parents.

LivingTree PTA

6. Language Translation
How many different languages are spoken in your school community? Want to connect with all of them? LivingTree has translation capabilities for 40+ different languages. Whether your parents speak Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese or Persian, you tin count on being able to communicate with them when y'all use LivingTree. There'southward no better way to build relationships than to attain out to people in their own language.

7. Photo Sharing
Desire to actually connect with families? Post regular photos of the students in the classroom! LivingTree provides an easy-to-access hub for images of student activities. Parents are sure to log on and feel more connected if there is the potential to catch a glimpse of their kids learning and exploring.

LivingTree Photo

Parents' engagement in their children'south instruction is the single biggest marking for improved literacy and students' long-term success. Annihilation that provides an easily navigable path for increased parent involvement and fosters greater community between schoolhouse and home is worth trying, and LivingTree does both well.

Check out the costless LivingTree app.

A parent teacher communication app for everyone.