How can you use newsletters to keep parents informed?

2 Plan your content and layout

When planning your newsletter content and layout, you should make sure that it's relevant, informative, and engaging for your parents, as well as easy to read and navigate. To achieve this, start with a catchy title and a brief introduction that summarizes the main purpose and theme of your newsletter. Additionally, use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize the information and make it scannable. Incorporate a mix of text, images, videos, and links to provide variety and visual appeal. Use clear, concise, and positive language that reflects your tone and style while avoiding jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that may confuse or alienate your parents. Finally, include a call to action or a question at the end of your newsletter to encourage feedback and interaction.

3 Customize your newsletter for your audience

The third step is to customize your newsletter for your audience. It's essential to make sure that your newsletter is relevant, accessible, and respectful for your parents, as well as aligned with their needs and expectations. To do so, you should consider their preferences and interests when tailoring content, such as including information about their child's progress, achievements, and challenges. Additionally, incorporate diversity and inclusion in your content by using inclusive language, images, and examples that reflect the diversity of your classroom and community. Further, provide accessibility and support in your content by using simple and clear fonts, colors, and layouts that are easy to read and understand. If necessary, you can also provide translations, captions, or audio versions of your content.

4 Review and revise your newsletter

Before sending your newsletter, it's important to review and revise it to ensure accuracy, completeness, and error-free content. Make sure that the content is consistent with your goals and standards. To review and revise your newsletter, check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting mistakes or typos. Verify any facts, figures, and sources you use. Also consider the tone, voice, and style of the content to ensure it is appropriate for your audience and purpose. Additionally, ensure that the length, layout, and design are balanced and appealing for your readers. Finally, consider any feedback or comments you may have received and incorporate changes or improvements as necessary.

5 Send and share your newsletter

The final step is to send and share your newsletter with your parents. You should consider the best time and day to send your newsletter, depending on your parents' availability and habits. Additionally, you should think about the best method and platform to send your newsletter, depending on your parents' preferences and access. Moreover, you should choose the best way to share your newsletter, depending on your goals and audience. For example, you might want to avoid sending your newsletter on weekends or holidays, opt for mornings or evenings instead, use email, social media, websites, apps, or print to reach your parents in different ways, and share your newsletter with other teachers, staff, or partners to increase visibility and collaboration.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?