ClassDojo for parents: the important bits between the volcano photos

ClassDojo is the app the teacher uses: stories from the classroom, points for the children, and messages to parents. It is warm and it is busy, and the one notice you need is between a photo of a volcano and a certificate for kindness. Here is how to use it without drowning.

Connecting#

The teacher gives you an invite code, on paper or by email. Download ClassDojo, choose Parent, enter the code, and your child's class appears. A second child at the same school needs a second code from their teacher. A second parent needs their own account and code, or the first parent adds them from the child's profile.

Where things are#

• Class Story: photos and posts from the class. The date of a trip is often in a caption here and nowhere else.
• School Story: notices from the head or office.
• Messages: direct messages from the teacher, and your replies. The important channel.
• Portfolio: your child's work.
• Points: the reward system. Nice for the child; not something you need to watch.

Taming the notifications#

Your profile, Notifications. Turn off Class Story and points; keep Messages and School Story. You lose nothing you need and the buzzing drops by four fifths.

Getting the notices out#

ClassDojo emails you a digest of stories and every message, if email notifications are on (your profile, Notifications, email). Point that email at somewhere the dates are pulled out for you: change the account email to your Bobbie address, or add a forwarding rule for classdojo.com in your own mailbox. Then "PE is on Tuesday now" becomes a thing on the calendar rather than a caption you scrolled past. See giving the school your address.

Further reading#

• Every UK school system explained for parents