I have just started blogging ("Book Happy" and "Teach Happy" are merely a week old), so I have much to learn. I have been looking at what others are doing with their blogs and there is much to be excited about.
I am thrilled to share "Krebs' Class Blogs" (http://krebs.edublogs.org/) link to new webpage). This is a blog site where students in 7th and 8th grade are blogging about what they are learning in school. I find the effort refreshing and exciting.
I am thrilled to share "Krebs' Class Blogs" (http://krebs.edublogs.org/) link to new webpage). This is a blog site where students in 7th and 8th grade are blogging about what they are learning in school. I find the effort refreshing and exciting.
In addition to the students great work, Krebs Class Blogs has wonderful resources to help other teachers interested in incorporating blogging into their lesson plans. For example:
- How to cite images--including multiple positive examples of blogs that have correctly cited their image
- Commenting guidelines, extracted below:
"Do at least two of these:
- Compliment the writer.
- Add new information
- Make a connection.
- Ask a question.
- Give a wish or a hope.
Do all of these:
- Write two or more sentences.
- Address the person you are talking to and sign your name, like a letter.
- Protect your privacy. Use first names only. No other identifying details.
- Use standard English.
- Proofread."
- And, a really student friendly Netiquette prezi!
In addition, the blog provides links to other class blogs to visit for ideas and inspiration.
One of the great links on Kreb's Class Blog was "Challenge Yourself to Blog" (link to new webpage). It is a challenge to help student improve blogging and commenting skills. It also connects students to other students through-out the world. There are two challenges, March and September. The challenge is comprised of 10 weekly tasks. It is open to class and student bloggers and students can complete as many or few tasks in any order.
- How to cite images--including multiple positive examples of blogs that have correctly cited their image
- Commenting guidelines, extracted below:
"Do at least two of these:
- Compliment the writer.
- Add new information
- Make a connection.
- Ask a question.
- Give a wish or a hope.
Do all of these:
- Write two or more sentences.
- Address the person you are talking to and sign your name, like a letter.
- Protect your privacy. Use first names only. No other identifying details.
- Use standard English.
- Proofread."
- And, a really student friendly Netiquette prezi!
In addition, the blog provides links to other class blogs to visit for ideas and inspiration.
One of the great links on Kreb's Class Blog was "Challenge Yourself to Blog" (link to new webpage). It is a challenge to help student improve blogging and commenting skills. It also connects students to other students through-out the world. There are two challenges, March and September. The challenge is comprised of 10 weekly tasks. It is open to class and student bloggers and students can complete as many or few tasks in any order.
If you want to see an example of a thoughtfully planned and executed class blog (maybe to try with your students), I recommend you take a look at "Krebs' Class Blog" (link to new webpage). Additionally, if you want to get your students involved in blogging, which can make learning fun, get them connected with other students globally, and improve their technology/netiquette skills consider the Student Blogging Challenge (link to new webpage).