I would like to use a blog as a place for student to discuss a book or a posed question from class. My second graders are currently working on responding to reading. This would be a intereative way for them to respond to an open-ended question pertaining to a book shared in school or a content-related question.
Also, it would support their typing skills and their ability to use a computer. This would also enhance the lesson, as students could read their peers responses and consider ways to improve their own. Many times, students don't share in front of their peers in school. With a blog, students would have an opportunity to to share their thinking with others via typed conversations.
I think a blog is a useful instructional tool because it integrates technology and it can be differentiated. I know my second graders would feel very "studious" using a blog. I also like that it serves as a useful way to connect school to home.
Meghan,
ReplyDeleteYour ideas for incorporating blogs into your classroom are great! They will definitely be motivating and engaging to all students as well as provide opportunities for differentiation.
You said you teach second grade, I know it would be challenging to have my first graders navigate their way around a blog and post on a blog. Does your school have a computer lab or computer classes that teach students how to use computers? If so, that may be a great place to have your students complete their blogging activites and learn how to be successful bloggers.
Good luck with your blogging endeavours!
Megan, I'm so old that I learned to type on a type writer in high school and am not sure what happens these days with computer use with very young children. My question is, will this young of students develop habits on the keyboard that will hinder keyboarding when they take it in school? I don't work enough with children this age...I know my own grandchildren, who are in 2nd grade, hunt for the letters they want.
ReplyDeleteNancy and Jesse,
ReplyDeleteWhen thinking about my second graders, I envisioned parents playing a role in the blogging. I know that I would need their support with this. I do take my students into the computer lab to word process a few sentences occasionally. At this point in the year, this is something they can handle. I do feel they would still need help navigating the blog site. When the time comes to model the site to them, I have the luxury of my SmartBoard to do so.
Thank you so much for your posts!