What is a blog? 

A blog is short for Webblog. It is a platform for personal publishing.  It is a place to have your say and join in on the conversation.

Blogs support the fundamental literacy of writing.  So why do we want to have kids blog?  Read 3rd grader Anna, from Seattle, Washington, in her post class blog .

Why blog according to 6th grade students:

• it is a good way to discuss books with other students in other classes and grades
• it is easier than bringing the book home and better than a worksheet
• fun way to talk with friends and hear things about them you normally wouldn't get to hear about related to class
• no papers to carry home for checking
• helps not only your student learn to use the computer, but you learn too
• if you get bored it is something fun to do
• connect to classrooms all over Wisconsin and even around the country or world
• if you need to find a book or anything you can go to the blog and get a recomendation

Possible Uses with Kids:

• Writing and Composition

• Editing

• Constructive commenting-peer assessment

• Being receptive

• Critical thinking (post questions, synthesizing, comparing)

• Self-control and tolerance

• Managing passwords and logins

• Integration of technology formats and tools

• Visual literacy skills (design, fonts, colors, layout, etc)

• Validation

• Building an argument

Sample Teacher Blogs 

Room 203

Ellie's Math Blog

Mighty Writers

Free Blog Host Site

Blogger   --(I use this one)

21 Classes

Classblogmeister  (I also use this one)

                         must set up a school account (St. Vincent has one--see me if interested in setting

                         up your account if interested and I'll give you the password.)