Communication/Text Guide

Welcome Educators,

Given the rapid transition to distance learning at your schools, I wanted to give you free access to a communication tool to help you connect with your students.  A couple of years ago, I created a monthly communication guide to support GEAR UP site coordinators at the University of Washington. The goal was to help them stay connected to students during their first year in college.  The guide and messages included can easily be adapted to communicate with students in all grade levels.

If you are texting your students, you can use Signal Vine or your school's communication platform.  You can also use this as a check-in tool to start off each day of e-learning.  Students LOVE answering questions where you ask them for a number response. For example:  Using a scale from 1-10, How much do you like e-learning?  1=HATE IT  10=LOVIN' IT!.  You can use the number response format to connect quickly and learn more about a student's specific needs.  This can also help you gauge their level of need, mental health, and areas of vulnerability. The guide addresses a wide-range of issues including food insecurity, safety, and mental health.  The best formula is to mix it up with fun, silly, and serious questions throughout the week.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at: harlan@harlancohen.com.  You can also visit me online at www.HarlanCohen.com.  Thank you for EVERYTHING YOU DO!  I wish you good health and a speedy return to normalcy.

Gratefully yours,

-Harlan Cohen