What does it take to have an effective classroom blog? Probably the most important thing is to get started. Last school year I started a classroom blog, room36. I was the main contributer to the blog. I would share what we were studying. I would occasionally write a post as a prompt for my students respond to. I shared pictures and the like. It was fine but something was missing.
During summer school I opened a new blog over at edublogs, thirdgradediscoveries. My basic format had not changed. I still had a classroom blog where the students would respond to teacher prompts. I continued the blog through the fall but it wasn't very successful. Then along come Class Blogmeister. I came here so that my students were able to blog themselves. I haven't made any efforts to get this blog off the ground until now. The New ThirdGradeDisoveries is just getting started.
This is our introductory post;
It's been a busy school year. It is time to get ready for 4th grade! So, what is Blogging? Blogging is a way to share our ideas on the internet. A Blogger is a writer with an audience. It's like my journal or diary. The only difference is that it isn't secret. Other bloggers can come to my blog and leave comments. I am really excited on the possibilities in the next few months. A category that I really like is "On my mind". I saw it on the mighty writers blog. You can see a link to their blog on the left hand side of our homepage. Either way, happy blogging.
I dusted the computers today. Gone are the excuses; "my computers are too old", "I don't have enough time" "my students aren't ready for independent writing". I have showed my students sample student blogs. We have even reviewed the procedure for logging into their blog. I created my initial assignment. I guess we are ready. Let the keyboard pecking begin!!!
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8 comments:
For 6 months my students had a shared blog with me as sole administrator. Then I stopped procrastinating, and this year they have individual blogs. Hey presto! They havent stopped posting since and so far no cyber difficulties. Look forward to your results - I am sure they will amaze you too.
I'm excited to see how this goes.
Once you get going... I'm also interested to hear a little about when in the day students write on the blog. How many computers you have, how many students go at a time.
So glad you have come to Class Blogmeister. We have many links on our sidebar of classes our students can comment to. Come find us. We love blogging.
South Paris Collaborative
http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=88116
I strive to get myself in the same position. I have let a couple of my top math students start blogging and they are really enjoying it. It has fostered a whole lot of, "Can I do that?" As soon as we can get the lab opened up by finishing the testing I will try to get everyone on at least once a week.
@mathew I am starting with one computer. I trained a few students personally on how to login and add new post. I am also fortunate to have a teacher assistant for 45min in the mornings. He is also coaching them on. Regarding when? I am allowing for use of the computers anytime throughout the day. My philosophy was always been that there really isn't anything that they'll miss that I won't review and reinforce. I guess during tests or key concept lesson.
@murcha Thanks for the encouragement.
@lisa parisi You guys have such a great blog. I am adding you to our links. I will encourage my students to visit your blogs and leave comments.
@mr kimmi. Remember start small. One computer at a time is more manageable. I am even thinking of allowing blogging during recess and lunch, before and after school in a more relaxed environment. As long as I get a bathroom break :-)
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