Twitter in Kindergarten

A Seattle elementary school is embracing Twitter. A few weeks ago, teachers and administrators at the Meridian School in Wallingford started broadcasting the short, concise 140 character messages on Twitter to talk about everything from ice cream socials to library books to what happened in class that day.

"Right now we are exploring the concept of weight- we are testing how many pennies and paper-clips it will take to sink a boat," wrote first grade teacher Ramiza Saheed in a recent Tweet.

Reagan Jackson, a Spanish teacher at the school, said the idea is to keep parents informed on what is happening in the classroom as well as create a conversation starter once kids return home.

"Sometimes when kids come home they don't talk to their family about what they are doing," said Jackson, adding that most parents have embraced the idea.

About 30 teachers and administrators are now Twittering from Kindergarten to the fifth grade, a new experience that hasn't totally caught on.

"Like everything some people don't want to do it because it is too new," she said. Still, Jackson said she has found it to be a valuable communication tool, not only between teachers and parents but among teachers themselves.

Since Jackson works in the north annex, she often is unaware of what is happening in other parts of the private school.

"It is a community connecter," said Jackson, who has attracted 15 followers.

Ted Holmes, Director of Admissions and Marketing for the Meridian School, agreed.

“The people who have young, school age kids today are becoming more interested in communicating through social media,” said Holmes. “We want to show that we are not being left behind.”

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