This week I decided to review the media creator Smore. I used it to create a fictional classroom newsletter just to see how the website works. It turns out it was quite easy to work with. Here is an image of the one I whipped up:
How to use the app:
Go to smores.com
You can then click on the sign up tab in the middle of the screen and fill out the information. It is also free to start using, although there are certain features you need to pay for.
At the top of the screen, on the left hand side, there are tabs labeled Newsletters, Mailing list, Templates, and Upgrades. To create a newsletter, click on Newsletters, and click start a newsletters.
Here you can access all of your newsletters. You can either make a new one by clicking on the button: start a newsletter, or you can edit previous newsletters.
To create a newsletter:
To edit a newsletter:
Here is a quick video of how you can add links, change fonts, themes, colours, and edit text for your newsletter.
You are also able to email the newsletter. Here is a video on how to do that: https://www.loom.com/share/4494d3a8e2134407b46e8e8955e114f2?sid=ae76e2f0-b511-408b-995a-d354c26aeb6b
Smores.com would be a great tool to use for a classroom. I think it would be a perfect way to communicate with parents about what students are doing in the classroom as well as a way to remind students of upcoming events and assignments they have.
There is only one thing I would change: the subscription. There are quite a few features, that I would say are more on the basic side, that I wish were free. I wish the whole thing could be free but we cannot have everything.
Smore is definitely under the transformative category and I believe it would fall under redinition. It is simply replacing that verbal reminder for students. The features that Smores offers allows you to put links and documents on the newsletter so students can access them at home if needed. The newsletters are also able to be sent to a mailing list which is a lot quicker than typing out each email.
Thanks for your thoughtful and enthusiastic review of Smore — I can totally see why you’re excited to try it out! It’s such a visually appealing and practical tool, especially for educators looking to keep communication clear and creative. I love how you explored its features by building a fictional newsletter and walked through how to sign up, customize, and share your work.
Your critique about the subscription limitations is valid — it’s always a bit disappointing when basic functions are locked behind a paywall, especially for teachers on tight budgets.
I think you’ll find tons of creative uses for Smore in your future classroom! I am beyond excited to use this as well!
Hi Ellie,
I have never heard of the media creator Smore but after reading your review, it is something I definitely need to check out! Your instructions on how to navigate it are very easy to follow. I agree with you on the subscription! So many apps now a days want you to pay to use them and are very limited to what features you can use without having to pay. If the apps is pretty handy and would be a great asset to have in the classroom, they subscription may be worth it!
Thank you for your review!