1. Making A Class Newsletter

2. Use a Title  Be sure your title explains what this is… a newsletter.

3. Include Teacher Information  Include information you would expect to find on a business card.  Teacher’s Name  Teacher’s e-mail address  School Phone Number

4. Include Learning Objectives  Don’t miss this valuable chance to tell the parents what their children are learning in your class.

5. Ask for things  Do you need:  Materials  Volunteers Let the parents know what you need, but don’t make this the ONLY focus of the newsletter.

6. Let Families Know How They Can Get Involved  Provide MANY opportunities to get involved through out the year. Use multiple methods to recruit volunteers including asking in a newsletter, by phone in person, and in group settings.

7. Include a picture of yourself in the first newsletter.  This helps families get to know who you are.

8. Meet the Teacher  Introduce yourself in your first newsletter. Families are VERY curious to learn about you!  Here is what you can say: * Introduce yourself and make a personal statement * Describe your professional preparation * Say something about who you are as a person

9. Talk about your “Instructional Program”  Tell the parents about what it’s like to be in your class.  Example: Explain your STAR of the Week program

10. Milestones  Consider talking about developmental norms and milestones of children who are the age of your students.  Examples include:  Getting Enough Sleep  Healthy Hygiene  Healthy Eating Habits  Reading Practice

11. Make it Beautiful  Your first newsletter is a FIRST IMPRESSION.  Taking the time to make it beautiful shows you care about your class.  Use a variety of fonts, pictures, print in color, use colored paper, graphics, and shapes to make your newsletter visually appealing.

12. Be Creative  Add your own personal touch.