This past week we explored more about blogs. Before we started the readings, I was wondered what on earth I could possibly have to learn about blogs. I grew up in a time when blogging was extremely popular, I spend most of my time surfing teaching blogs from Pinterest, and I kept my own blog during my study abroad in South Africa. My tune has changed a bit since my reading. Although I have had a lot of experience with blogs, I did not have many ideas of how to use them in the classroom. Now that I have a more concrete definition of what a blog is, I can imagine different ways for my students to use them. They are not just a website that gets updated, they are a place where you post thoughts, ideas, questions or links regularly. My favorite quote from Will Richardson is that, "They demand interaction." This interaction sets it apart from websites. The interaction with readers really makes you feel like you have an audience.
I am looking forward to using blogs with my students in the future. Katherine Hale has been using blogs in her classroom with her students, and her excitement about her student's growth in writing is infectious. This positive energy around blogging really makes me feel like I could start this with my students. I think that the way she has allowed her students the freedom to choose their specialty and focus has allowed her students' writing to thrive. Right now, I am considering taking blogging for a test ride with a group of my higher readers. I am thinking about having them write a reading review blog. I hope that as I continue to swirl these ideas around in my head, I will be able to come up with a plan to engage my third graders in this type of activity.
No comments:
Post a Comment