What is Bloomz? Bloomz is an easy tool that connects teachers and parents to communicate faster and share what their children do in the classroom. Parents can stay engaged with the school community and can see what their child does throughout the day making the parents apart of the learning experience. It can be used as a classroom management piece by keeping track of updates including, behavior and attendance, a calendar for important dates, secure pictures to post of students' artwork or a class picture and more. There is also a sign up tab that will be easy to keep track of volunteers if the class needs parent help. Be sure to scroll through to see how I would use Bloomz in the classroom!
How to create your Bloomz account. Click here to begin setting up a Bloomz account.Followed the steps in creating an account. Click join Bloomz and create an account. Then click 'Create new class/group'. Here you have the option to pick a group type including, class, school, parent/PTA/PTO,PTSA and more. I created a new class group type. Next the site will bring up a list of questions. Once filling out all the questions click 'Sign Up' and voila you have create your Bloomz account!
How does it fit in component 2d? Bloomz fits into component 2d, managing student behavior by being able to track students behavior through this useful app. Student behaviors will be easily tracked and could be printed and shown to parents during parent/teacher conferences. The element of monitoring of student behaviors ties into Bloomz. By having this tool available teachers can monitor student behaviors and see where students are lacking and see how they can help improve their behaviors. It is also good to have parents see what their child is struggling with in class and having them give their input as well.
Reflection I enjoyed creating my Bloomz account because not only did I learn another way to connect with parents in the classroom, it is a fun and easy tool to build a stronger classroom community in just a few clicks. I am so excited to use this tool and be able to share what my class does and what students are learning. I believe Bloomz is a great way to get parents involved in their children's learning because they may feel left out when their child leaves and goes to school.
I will be using this tool in my classroom to share updates about the class, post special dates on the calendar such as field trips, class parties, band/choir concerts, etc. so parents can know ahead of time. I will also use Bloomz to create a sign up sheet for example I have pictured below a sign up sheet for an upcoming Halloween party. Bloomz will allow me to send out a virtual sign up sheet that will be easy for parents to know what is needed. I will track behaviors and privately show students what behaviors they need to work and improve upon. I also can't wait to upload pictures of students and send to parents. This will allow me to build stronger relationships and they know that I will care about them and their child.
Bloomz is a great tool to relate to the ISTE Standards. Educators are able to be learners, leaders, citizens, collaborators, designers, facilitators and analysts. By connecting to the digital world, teachers can learn about the different resources provided for them. Bloomz is one of these resources that teachers should take advantage of and use regularly. Teachers seek out opportunities by creating a Bloomz account to strive to be the best teacher they can be. Teachers become leaders when they look for all possible ways to engage both parents and students. Teachers are able to participate and be a citizen in the digital world by connecting with fellow educators and parents on Bloomz. Teachers can collaborate with parents on Bloomz building stronger relationships and trust. Teachers can also educate other teachers about Bloomz and share their resources perhaps through their professional Twitter account. There teachers can show how they use Bloomz in the classroom and contribute online. The teacher is a designer creating his/her own account. Teachers are facilitators by encouraging student achievements and using technology to do so. Lastly, teachers are analysts by using data (this could be the data of behaviors for an overall week). Teachers can use this data to support students in achieve their goals.
Here is a peek into my Bloomz account. My class, a student and 3 good behaviors that can be awarded and 3 needs work behaviors!
Sources: ISTE | Standards For Educators . (2017). Iste.org. Retrieved 2 October 2017, from https://www.iste.org/standards/for-educators
Danielson Group » The Framework. (2017). Danielsongroup.org. Retrieved 2 October 2017, from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
Bloomz - The Parent Communication App for Schools & Teachers. (2017). bloomz.com. Retrieved 2 October 2017, from https://www.bloomz.net/