First Graders Read, Write, and Tweet in Ill. Classroom

Erick Goble, 6, types a message on a touch screen in teacher Jodi Conrad's class near the end of the day at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Glen Ellyn, Ill. The 1st graders tweet every day to parents and other followers. Ms. Conrad sees Twitter as a way to keep communication open with parents, and to help children learn typing, spelling and reading.

—Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune/MCT

1st graders update parents on class news

By Michelle Manchir, Chicago Tribune (MCT)

When Ed Knight wants to find out what his 6-year-old did in school, he can scroll the Twitter feed on his iPhone for clues to start a conversation with his quiet son, who sometimes holds back when recounting details of his day.

That's because Evan and others in 1st grade teacher Jodi Conrad's class use Twitter to send out a weekly newsletter, update the day's activities, and give parents reminders about upcoming programs.

Ms. Conrad's class at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Glen Ellyn, Ill., is among a growing number around the country that use social media and other technologies to supplement lessons, even...