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September 2009

CREATING A CLASSROOM WEBSITE

A classroom website is a great way to keep an open line of communication among you, your students, their parents and your colleagues. The thought of starting a website can be daunting, but don’t let that stop you! It’s easier than it might seem. Read on for a few ideas on what to do.

The key to creating a website, like creating just about anything, is to have your ducks in a row before you start. Organization is key! We’ve provided an outline of website creation from start to finish.

Check out other classroom websites. This will give you an idea of what you like and what you don’t.

Have a goal. Don’t just have a website because you feel you need one. What do you want to achieve?

Check your school and district guidelines. Make sure you know what kind of information you should and can’t post.

Get permission from school leaders if you need it.

Get permission from parents to post pictures of their student. For safety, never post the names of students with their photo.

Select a site to host your webpage. Some schools provide the host for classroom sites. If not, there are many free ones on the internet. Check them out until you find one you feel comfortable with and that meets your needs. Ask your colleagues which sites they use.

Choose web-design software. Many host sites have built-in software. If yours doesn’t, choose a program that will work best for your website.

Become familiar with the host site and/or software. Take a web-design class if you feel you need to and have the time.

Decide on the elements for your homepage. You should include contact information for both you and the school. You should also have a navigation bar on the homepage and every page that links to the other major pages on your site. If you have a theme for your site, make sure it’s apparent on the home page.

Decide on a basic structure. Most class websites have a page for students, a page for parents and a page for colleagues or other professionals to view your credentials.

Create an outline or visual map. Begin with the homepage and branch out from there. It will resemble a family tree when you’re finished. One good way to do a visual map of your site is to write each page name on a sticky note (like our ON-A-ROLL STICKY-NOTES DISPENSER). Rearrange the notes until you have a structure you are happy with.

Start small. Begin with three or four pages so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Build it from there as you have time.

Decide what types of files or links you want. These could include:
- class syllabi.
- weekly or monthly activities.
- test dates.
- homework assignments (you can include PDF handouts as well).
- extra-credit trivia or activities.
- student of the week.
- pictures of the class at work.
- reading lists.
- classroom rules.
- lunch menu.
- virtual classroom or school tour.
- forums. Forums for parents, colleagues and students can be great for feedback.
- grades. Make this a password-protected page so students and their parents are the only ones who can access the student’s grades.
- lessons. You can actually use a recorder or MP3 PLAYER to record your daily lessons and upload them to your site for students to hear. Great for absentees!

Organize your files. Organize homework, pictures, grades, etc. on your computer before you begin. Create a website folder and subfolders organized according to your site’s layout. That will make everything easy to find and will be a great timesaver when you’re ready to move the data to your website.

Search for additional graphics, clip art, etc. to enhance your pages. Incorporate them into your computer files.

Be prepared. If you find something on your home computer to add to your site, a FLASH DRIVE is a great way to transfer the files. Keep one handy!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing your website:
- keep pages simple. Maintaining a website can be time consuming, so minimize the amount of information that must be downloaded. Having too much information on one page can be distracting and can deter visitors from using the site.
- choose an easy-to-read font.
- choose an easy-to-see point size.
- choose colors that are soothing and easy to read.
- use a spellchecker.
- keep paragraphs short.
- keep pages short. Minimize the amount of scrolling your visitors will have to do.
- limit animations and sound effects (or eliminate them altogether).

When you’re finished with your site, check it thoroughly. Make sure all point sizes, buttons, fonts, etc. are consistent. All links should work. All images should appear.

When you feel your site is ready, announce it! Walk your students through the site. Show parents or invite them to visit it. Hold an open house for your site!

Don’t forget to maintain your site. Take a few minutes each day, week or month to post new information.

HOT TIP: Get the students involved. Whether you have a site or are just starting one, brainstorm with students on the types of things you can include on your website. They may come up with some ideas you never considered! Getting them involved will get them more interested in visiting the site.

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