It is often said that regular communication between parents and teachers helps improve student success and build positive relationships. With the number of apps out there claiming to be the best, latest, and greatest, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to try. We’re here to narrow the field for you with one of our tried and true favorites.
What is Class Dojo?
Class Dojo is one of the most effective classroom management tools that I’ve ever used in my 24 years of teaching. It’s a quick and easy way to communicate with parents and students. It tracks student behavior in class. It allows students to showcase work they are proud of. And it’s all free!
What can you do with Class Dojo?
Class Story, just one of Class Dojo’s many features, works like Facebook, but it’s private and only visible to students and parents in your classroom. With just a click of a button, you can post pictures or videos of all the fabulous things happening in the classroom—something parents love to see!
Class Dojo is so much more than social media. It also works as a motivating classroom management system. Students can earn (or lose) fully customizable points, based on their behavior. I’ve always found that focusing on positive behaviors is the best way to curtail the negative ones. Once students hear the positive ding when a point is earned, you can literally see the ripple effect right in front of your eyes. Students will sit up straight, focus on the task at hand, and try to be noticed to earn a point of their own. Teachers who use Simple Solutions can give a point each time students complete a lesson.
Throughout the week, parents can receive instant feedback on how their child is doing in class. Every Friday, they receive an email with a weekly report about their child’s behavior and interaction with others. Better yet, students can log on and check their own progress. They can also change or design their avatar and add photos or videos to their Student Story.
This year, Class Dojo added a new toolkit with some great features, like Music. It has two channels to choose from, one for when students need to focus and one for times with less structured activities. There are even more tools, like Portfolios, Noise Meter, Group Maker, Directions, and Think Pair Share. Rumor has it, there are even more to come.
Does this sound like what you need to further develop positive interactions with students and parents? Then try it and see how it will make a difference in your classroom community. Here are some links to help you get started.
Learn everything you need to know about ClassDojo, including more information on digital portfolios, class stories, and all the new tools.
Discover ways to incorporate into your classroom, including a parent introduction letter, a student introduction video, classroom decoration packs, and resources for administrators and parents.
Follow Simple Solutions!
 |
 |
 |
 |
