Many K12 schools are closed right now. But social media can be an amazing way to connect with your families and communities during this time! Since you don’t have traditional classroom photos to share, it’s time to get creative.

Below are 36 ideas that you could use for posts on your social media channels.

Three notes of caution:

• If you are still in the decision-making process for closure, I don’t recommend starting these post ideas. Think about what your followers need right now and post accordingly.
• While we want to drive engagement on your page, we also want to be cautious of the comments and content followers share on your page. You know your community best! If you can foresee issues with a post idea, don’t use it.
• If you ask for photo submissions, we recommend providing an email address. That way, you can share only appropriate photos.

Daily or Weekly Ideas for a Campaign or Special Feature

1. Does your school have a therapy dog? Share a daily photo, video, or Facebook Live broadcast all about what the dog is doing. You could share how much it misses each child. The therapy dog could “say” to students: “I wish I could visit Mrs. Baker’s first grade classroom today. I just love curling up on the carpet and listening to all of you read to me. Can you read a book today and think of me?”
2. Post a daily “move your body” video! This would be awesome as a Facebook Live broadcast, but it could also be recorded and scheduled. Share a two-minute body movement broadcast from your phy-ed teacher for students, parents, and community members. The end of the video could challenge them to keep the movement going with something like: “Keep moving outside by setting up your own obstacle course!”



3. Live or recorded book readings might be an option. I suggest getting the author or publisher to approve first, but many authors are offering a release because of the situation. Some schools are setting up Facebook Live broadcasts each night at 7:00 p.m. by a different teacher. Here is a link to Facebook Live Checklist. You’ll need to ensure that the teacher is set up as an editor to your page. And make sure they review this checklist. You do NOT want the images to be backward on camera!
4. Instead of reading published works, staff members could share their own made-up stories or special messages. For example, a teacher could share “three things I can’t wait to do once we’re back in school” – this could be a real pick-me-up for students. This tone of excitement is better than saying that they are sad. Let’s be the light and think of better days ahead! These posts could be done live, but they also could easily be recorded, sent to you, and then you could schedule them. These would be fun to share on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Twitter must be under 2 minutes 20 seconds). You can also upload on YouTube – but you should always post the native videos on other platforms, if possible.



5. Post live updates throughout the time away. As you make decisions about coming back to school, or have other information to share, social media is a great place to communicate those announcements.
6. Have a virtual spirit week! Kristin Boyd from Reading, PA created the great graphic below. She is planning to post photo albums of pictures submitted.

Individual Social Media Post Ideas

These posts can be videos or photos. Some ask a question or give a challenge. You could use the colored boxes on Facebook or some other basic graphic – but you do want some type of image to grab attention. Here is an example (from before the school closing).

7. “Take a virtual trip on the Internet to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Then share the location and one cool fact you learned!”
8. “Who loves LEGOS? We’d love to see your LEGO creations. Email them to us at (email address). We’ll post some of your creations, later this week!”
9. “What puzzles do you have at home? Today is the perfect day to put together a puzzle by yourself or with a family member!”
10. “Learn a new skill! YouTube is FULL of videos that can teach you how to sew, how to change the oil, how to play the guitar, fun new hairstyles, and so much more. What new skill do you want to learn?”
11. “What is your favorite board game to play with your family? Let us know below – and then play it, today!”
12. “Today is a great day to clear your mind. Some call it meditation, others just call it relaxing. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Even if you do it for 5 minutes, it can help!”
13. “When is the last time you wrote a letter to someone you love? You can write it by hand and mail it, or you can take a photo and message it to them. I bet you’ll make their day!”
14. “Pick a room to clean! You’ll feel so much better when you’re done. If you find some items you’d like to donate, you’ll obviously have to wait.”
15. “Get outside today! What are your favorite things to do outdoors? We’d love to hear about it below – and then make sure you DO IT today!”
16. “Let’s flex that imagination! Can you write a short story today and include some drawings to go along with it? If you want to share them with us, email them to (email address).”
17. “Do you have binoculars? Learn about the birds near your house! You can look them up on the Internet.”
18. “What yardwork could you help with, today?”
19. “It’s time to DANCE! What is your favorite dance that pumps you up and gets you in a great mood? Share it below, and then play it at home while you dance like no one is watching!”
20. “Did you find a good spot to do your schoolwork at home? We’d love to hear one thing that makes your learning spot comfy!”
21. “Let’s do a scavenger hunt! Ask someone in your house to make up a list of 10 things for you to find around the house or outside.”
22. “Do you have sidewalk chalk? It’s time to decorate the driveway or sidewalk!”
23. “Let’s do a puppet show! You can use stuffed animals, puppets, or socks. Make up a story, or use a traditional story like Three Little Pigs and act it out for others at your house.”
24. “Do you like to help in the kitchen? Tonight, pick out something you can help prepare – age-appropriate, of course!”
25. “Clean out your clothes closet! Are there items that don’t fit anymore – or that don’t bring you joy? Set them aside to donate – later, of course.”
26. “What’s your favorite card game? Spend time playing it, today!”
27. “Let’s dream about what life will look like in 10 years! This activity is for all ages. Write 10 things you would like to have accomplished 10 years from now. Write them as if they happened and pin them up on your mirror as a reminder.”
28. “Do you have a pet? Today is the day to focus lots of attention on them! Take the dog for a walk, play with the cat, or tell all your worries to your fish.”
29. “Make a fort and pick your favorite book to read inside. Send us a photo at (email address) and we will share some of them on our Facebook page!”
30. “Do you have empty boxes lying around? Using tape and markers, see what you can create. We want to see your design. Send it to us at (email address) and we might just share it on social media!”
31. “Find a positive quote and text it to someone. Maybe it is to a friend, teacher, or parent!”
32. “Can you draw out your family tree? Today is the day to try! Share it with the rest of your family to see if others can help. Who was the tallest in your family? The funniest?”
33. “What are the 5 best books you’ve ever read? List them below!”
34. “Cloud zoo! Look up at the sky and tell us the animals that you see!”
35. “It’s time for a fashion show! Go into your closet (or if your parents let you, into their closet) and pick out a few outfits that you can model. If you have others in your house, you can all be part of the fun!”
36. ““The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Can you create a new sentence that uses every letter in the alphabet? (You can use letters more than once – but you have to use every letter at least once).”

What other social media ideas will engage your community? Share below, and make sure you subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest ideas and tips.

And if you need more support in this challenging time, you’re invited to join our membership group at no charge. We will provide support, ideas, and access to more than 100 recorded training sessions on social media for schools. You must sign up before March 31st for free access. Learn more at this link.