Getting+parents+on+board

= Getting parents on board =

You will probably need parent permission for your students to participate in blogging, especially when you want to include their photos and work. However, this may vary from school to school, depending on whether your parents have already signed something to say their child's images can be used on the school website and in the media, etc. You'll need to clarify this with your principal.

At the very least, you will need to inform your parents about the blog. This will need to be handled even more thoughtfully than your approach to your principal. They need to know that you're organised, knowledgeable and will keep their children safe. Many of them will probably not even know what a blog is, let alone that they can be used in schools, so some explanations may be needed.

If a parent objects, cyber safety will probably be their biggest concern, so be sure to allay any fears they might have by outlining the precautions and guidelines you have in place, as well as highlighting the fact that the blog will be used to teach them about using the internet safely. Like with your principal, try to anticipate any objections and address them in your letter to parents when you first inform them about the blog.

Running an information session is a good way to allay parent concerns and to get them enthused about blogging. Once they understand your reasons and they can see how it enriches their child's learning, most will be happy with their child's involvement.

In saying all that, in my experience the great majority of my parents have been very enthusiastic and encouraging.Last year, 21/24 of my students had permission to have their photos published, while the other 3 had permission for their work and voices to be included. This year, 22/23 can have photos and the other student can have her work published.