4. Why have a blog?
To showcase student work.
To communicate with parents “window
into our classroom.”
To publish student writing.
To reflect on and spotlight student
learning and achievements.
To increase social interactions within
the classroom and school community.
To collect student data.
The possibilities are endless!
5. Benefits
Motivates students, especially those who
otherwise might not become participants
in classrooms.
Excellent opportunities for students to
read and write.
Effective forums for collaboration and
discussion.
Every student has an equal opportunity to
share their thoughts and opinions.
It’s a digital portfolio! Since it is being
published for the world, students want to
produce their best work.
6. Successes Seen this Past Year
Because of our blog, my first graders
are now
Independent bloggers.
Confident on the internet.
Aware of “quality writing.”
Enthusiastic about sharing their thoughts and
ideas with the world.
Capable of writing incredible things!
For the first time EVER I have kept in contact with most of
my class over the summer.
8. Choose a kid-friendly theme
Should be user friendly and easy to
navigate.
Not too busy (especially for primary
students).
Colors are fun!
Themes can be changed at any time
Caution: students will have to re-learn how to
navigate.
9. Make it exciting!
User Avatars Lego person
Widgets- widgetbox.com
Countdown, pets, weather
Data Collection
10. They will keep coming back…
Student artwork/writing
Spring Word Clouds
Presiden't Day Google Presentation
Pictures/videos of students
Snow Dance
Traffic Ticker
• Clustrmaps.com
11. The success of your blog is in your hands…
Show enthusiasm
Your attitude is contagious. Visit often with your class.
Explore the web
Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas!
Show dedication
Sick Day
Celebrity Substitute
12. Let’s take a look…
Mrs. Cassidy's Classroom Blog
Mrs. Quigley's Classroom Blog
Mrs. Harju's Classroom Blog
Ms. Ross' 5th Grade
Ms. Lund's Classroom Blog
Feedback- http://wallwisher.com/wall/Torch-MM
13. Common Mistakes
Your blog is your garden…
Minimal activity
• Moderation
– Appropriate comments
– New bloggers
• Posts
• Replies
14. Leaving Comments
Teach students how to leave appropriate
comments
• Model
• Practice
• Evaluate
Set guidelines for acceptable and
unacceptable comments.
• Allow students to help you decipher between the two.
Teach students how to be specific and
productive with their comments.
15. Publicize!
You can spend tons of time on it and have the best
blog, but without readers—it’s a waste!
Email everyone you know
Encourage parents to subscribe to RSS feed or
Google reader.
Be specific—don’t be afraid to ask for exactly what
you want. Email the direct link.
16. My Plans for This Year
Assign a weekly “guest blogger.”
Encourage more feedback from parents
Use Tags and Categories
Try to get other team members
involved.
17. Common Complaints (I have heard)
Students can’t log on.
Too many students for one teacher to
help.
Students can’t type.
Not enough computers.
Other thoughts on possible difficulties
or obstacles??
