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Literacy- Blog

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Saved by Alex
on July 30, 2010 at 11:30:36 pm

Supporting Literacy through Blogging

What is a blog?

A blog is a Web site were people can write about pretty much anything of their liking. Blogs are not limited to just written words. People can add photos, articles, and links. A blog can be used as a social networking tool to share your thoughts with millions of others or just a select few. Topics in a blog can include family life, exciting events, journalism, politics, and etc. You can also write, read, and comment on others' blog posts to give feedback.

How do I make a blog?

Here is a tutorial on how to create a blog using Blogger.com:

How to create a blog with blogger.com by Peter Celnicker

Why use blogs in a classroom?

In today's world we are surrounded by technology that allows us to share ideas with millions of others. Blogging is one of many ways to reach out to people. When used in a classroom, blogging can allow students to connect with their peers and the world around them. While blogging, many students can also participate in class lessons and discussions simultaneously. Students can learn how to give others constructive feedback through blogging, as well as build critical thinking skills when posting their thoughts. This technology gives students an opportunity to work on their writing skills and reading in a creative, engaging way.

How can blogs be used in the elementary classroom?

Even though blogger.com is a public blog where anybody can create an account, there are other simple and safe blogs for students. As with every technology, teachers should help students learn how to use blogging safely and how they can utilize privacy settings. Blogs in the elementary classroom can be used to connect and share thoughts with others in the classroom on such subjects as reading, writing, social studies, and geography.

What are some blogging resources that support

literacy in the elementary classroom?

Getting Kids Reading Blog

This blog shares tips on how to get kids interested in reading and writing. It includes activities as well as reading suggestions. Teachers could use this as a resource for planning their own lesson and updating their reading lists. Educators might also refer parents to this blog to help their children get excited about reading at home.

http://www.gkreading.com/

Langwitches Blog

This blog includes a lesson plan for introducing elementary students to blogging. The blog links to several blogs actually used by classes (including literacy based ones), so teachers can see student examples.

http://langwitches.org/blog/2008/12/25/introduction-to-blogging-lesson-plan/

National Geographic DogEared Books Blog

Through this blog students can read book reviews by other kid bloggers. Students can also post their own comments about books. Great for the classroom or summer reading!

http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/dogeared/

Pettus Elementary Library Blog

This blog includes "book trailers" created by librarians at Pettus Elementary. This site could be used as an inspiration or example for a lesson in which students to create their own book trailers using iMovie or Movie Maker.

http://pettuselem.blogspot.com/

Accelerated Reading Widget

Ever wonder how many words you're reading? This widget allows you to keep a count on how many books and words your students have accumulated. The widget can be added to your classroom or school blog as a fun way to show your students how much progress they're making throughout the year.

http://widgets.renlearn.com/gallery/ReadingActivityWidget