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Writing Blog

Page history last edited by Lorren Havens 10 years, 9 months ago

 

BLOGS IN THE CLASSROOM FOR WRITING

 

Taelor Johnson           

Lorren Havens

 

 

 

 

What is a blog?

 

Blogs (weB LOG) are tools that students can use to express their personal thoughts, ideas, and opinions by writing them on the Internet for other students to view. Blogs are very beneficial for students to practice their writing skills. Students also get feedback from not only their teachers, but also their peers.

 

Why incorporate blogs in the classroom?
*blogs allow students to produce and publish their work, a big motivator for students

*backgrounds of blogs can be customized and personalized with the taste of the student, which can create a sense of ownership for students

 *teacher has control over what gets published and when, as well as who has access to read the blog posts

*students can upload pictures, videos, and illustrations to the blog post 

*blogs can be used in any content area

*students have a place to express their ideas and opinions

*students can give each other feedback on each others' posts

Some blog sites to choose from:

www.classblogmeister.com

www.thingamablog.com

www.kidblog.org

 

How to set up a blog:

All blogs are different, but the general way to set up a blog is...

*choose and download a blogging website; there are so many great sites to choose from (many of them are free!)

*create a password and user name (you'll need an e-mail address, in most cases)

*choose background template and name your blog

*upload your user photograph

*set up security guidelines such as who can see the posts, who can comment, how the posts are published, etc.

*begin writing and sharing your thoughts and ideas!

 


(graphic retrieved from www.digitalscrapbookplace.com)

 

Ideas for incorporating blogs in the classroom to support writing:

* An example of how blogs could be used in literacy is having students who are in different reading groups reflect on what they are reading. Each group would have their own “room” within the blog website based on the book they are reading. This is very effective for getting students to gain new insight from their peers. Students will also learn how to give their peers constructive feedback and really think about what they write, rather than just responding with something basic.

 

*Another way blogs could be used in the classroom to support writing is having them write a personal narrative, short essay, or a biography. By having students write in their blogs, they are able to get away from the classic pencil and paper routine for writing. Students will be able to practice and use the writing process while they blog as well. 

 

*One interesting way blogging could be used in the classroom is setting students up with a virtual pen pal. Teachers can do this by setting up a classroom blog site for students and connect them with other students from different areas around the world. This would be a great way for students to learn about diversity, give them a new genre of writing, as well as new insights on other cultures.

 

 

*A fun and creative way for students to practice writing using blogs is by having the teacher write one sentence that is the beginning of a story, then students will individually comment one by one adding to the story. All students  get to be part of one assignment and at the end of the story, the teacher will write a concluding sentence. Students can then edit, revise, and review before sharing it to other classrooms, teachers, and parents.

 

Web Links:

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=65078

This is a link to a sixth-grade class blog where the teacher posts questions and writing prompts and the students respond.  Note the side bar where students each have their own blog to write and publish their work.

 

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/techlp/techlp055.shtml

Follow this link to find an example lesson plan for a third to fifth grade writing class.  Students write from a pet's point of view as it describes daily classroom activities.

 

http://kidslikeblogs.org/student.blog.class.example.html

Here are two examples of student blogs.  One student uploaded his own illustrations and then wrote about them.

 

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/01/how-to-integrate-blogging-into-math-classes/

This teacher wanted students to have a place to keep a digital journal of math concepts and ideas and have a place to solve math problems. She gives many great ideas on how to use blogs in math classes.

 

http://www.brandeberry.net/

Mrs. Brandeberry's sixth grade class uses its class blog to understand different cultures around the world and gain a broader understanding of the world through videos, postings, and photographs.  On this site, they also have a posting specifically about the state of Michigan's government, which includes animations, photographs, and a video they created.  What an interesting and engaging way for students to learn about Social Studies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**TEACHERS, DON'T FORGET!**

 

-Before students get introduced to blogs, teachers need to address positive feedback and constructive criticism. Even though many blog websites can be easily monitored by the teacher, students need to be aware of how to give positive feedback and how feedback is useful.

 

-Teachers also need to address the issue of cyber-bullying as well as what signs to look for in regards to inappropriate behaviors on the Internet. Here is a link teachers can use as a resource for addressing cyber-bullying

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/cyberbullying-what-teachers-and-schools-can-do

 

 

Works Cited

 

Brandeberry, J. (n.d.). Mrs. Brandeberry's sixth graders. Retrieved from www.brandeberry.net

Crosby, B. (2012, March 16). Collaborative class blog. Retrieved from www.classblogmeister.com

Jackson, L. (n.d.). This bird can blog: Online writing with a twist. Retrieved from www.educationworld.com

Schwartz, J. (n.d.). Examples of student blogs in mr. schwartz's class. Retrieved from www.kidslikeblogs.org

Young, F. (2013, January 12). How to integrate blogging into math classes. Retrieved from www.edudemic.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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