How To Set Up a Class Website with Google Sites

ONE PLACE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR

STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Do you struggle to keep all the forms, assignments, and resources in an easily accessible place? Learning how to create a class website using Google Sites is a great way to create a one-stop command center for your students.

It is also a great tool for keeping in touch with parents. If you are somewhat knowledgeable about technology, take some time to prepare for back to school by setting up your Google Site.

Add different sections to make it easy to navigate your class website.

The Parent Portal is a great way to store forms, information about your class, policies and expectations. You can add forms and interactive links to collect information digitally.

Communicate with parents on how they can connect with you throughout the school year. I use ClassDojo. I do not use the class management system, just the messaging and class story tools. That’s what works for me. I know there are a lot of teachers out there who use the behavior management tool. . . go for it!

In the Student Portal, you can post assignments, share documents, add your virtual classrooms, and more!

I like to share a message to my class and give them links to click on for morning work or free choice activities. If your students have access to a computer, this works great when you have to get a substitute. You can update and share information through your website and embedded Google Slides from home.

Changing your schedule is a breeze. When you embed a Google Slide in your Google Site, any changes you make to the slides are automatically updated on the website! No having to go back and update your website, too.

Here is an example of the remote learning schedule that I used last year. While we did not stay remote, this was helpful to have to guide students in their online learning. I frequently made changes to meeting times and the schedule, so this was a lifesaver for me.

I also have a section for weekly assignments and the weekly checklist of skills that I want my 4th graders to work on. You can customize your site and add topics that fit what you teach.

The weekly assignments box usually has a Google Slides embedded that shows that week’s assignment sheet. I will also print out this sheet and my students put it in their homework folder.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

There’s a lot of great resources out there. Take advantage of some free PD in the form of YouTube videos. I have learned a lot of educational technology by watching videos from amazing teachers. Check out the following videos that show you how to build your own Google Site.

START THIS SCHOOL YEAR WITH A PLAN IN PLACE

Designing a class website can make you feel better about beginning a new year. Start with getting organized and finalizing your plans for communicating with your students and families.

If you are thinking about reframing your classroom management this year, check out Cultivate Calm: Routines & Rituals for a Focused Classroom.

In addition to creating a classroom website, this guide gives you practical ideas on how you can achieve a functional, calm classroom. It is attainable if you’re willing to put in the work. Be willing to devote your mindset and class time to model and teach your students to create calm within your class.

Beginning and End of the Day Routines and Rituals
Morning Meeting
Time Gaps and Flexible Time
Handling Tattling and All Those Questions
Teaching Grit and Perseverance

This ebook gives you a variety of options with templates, a choice board example, a mind map and a few free resources to help you give your students choice. Also included are morning meeting slides. You can find those on the Resources page.

This guide is designed to give you ideas, guidance, and actionable steps to discover what works best for your personality and teaching style. Create your own action plan to start creating calm this week. As with all other teaching strategies you learn and attempt to implement, you get out of it what you put in. Are you ready to make a change to calm?