Some teachers are using a blog as an online newsletter that reports on what students are doing in their classroom. This is a great beginning and prepares students for blogging thoughtfully about an online assignment.
Another angle and 'low tech' method, prior to actual online blogging, is for a teacher to post an assignment or thought provoking query on a classroom or hallway wall where students will post (tape) their responses. Next, give students Post-its to comment on their classmates posts. Students begin to realize that their posts and comments will be seen by the larger school community and the results is fascinating...better overall writing!!!
Many teachers say, "we just don't have time to blog." We all know an elementary school teacher's schedule impossibly full, but what if just one assignment was online? There would be no lugging home papers to correct! A teacher could log on to the blog and make comments accordingly.What about classroom management? If there are computers in the classroom, posting could be used throughout the day whenever a student has completed his work. If a laptop cart is available the teacher can reserve it for a few sections per week and students can post/comment during their 'free' time. When a lab is the configuration, then students can post/comment before school or when the lab is free.
The hardest part about blogging,
like anything else,
is taking the leap
and
BEING CONSISTENT.
like anything else,
is taking the leap
and
BEING CONSISTENT.
