Using Google Forms for Parent Contact Information

Are you getting ready for a mound of paperwork to start off your school year? When I was in the classroom, I always distributed some colored sheets of paper asking parents when and how I should contact them. Then I spent the next several weeks getting them back and placing them neatly in each student's manila folder.

How about you cut down on some of the work by using Google Forms to organize some of your important information? Here's how we are going to make it happen in our classrooms this year.

Create a Google Form for your parent contact information. Include all the standard questions: What is your email address? Phone numbers? Best time to call? Do you need a paper newsletter or will you use our Twitter feed? Then insert a really fun background theme. 

During Meet the Teacher Night, set up several laptop or iPad stations. Have the Form bookmarked and easy to access. Then the parents can sit down and fill out the form in the classroom. In case you aren't familiar with the process, the submitted information is sent straight to a spreadsheet in your Google account. And in case parents don't make it that evening, email them the link or include it on your class webpage.

I see several benefits for going this route. First, it's convenient for you and for parents. All the information is stored in your account, so you don't have to carry paper copies around with you. It's always available on any device. Second, and maybe most importantly, it sets the tone for digital communication. Parents quickly see that you'll be doing things differently, more efficiently.  

If you have any questions, please let me know. Good luck!