The world of blogging

Blog. Short for "Web log", blogs have become a great tool for writing expression, and one that this Writing teacher has put to use in the classroom. No longer do students have to wait for a dedicated class time to share their creative writing with fellow students-- they can now post their work at any time-- in school or at home-- and can instantly share their creative efforts with not just the students in their section, but with all the students in their grade.

Fifth grade students began exploring the world of blogging using the Classblogmeister website this year. Each student was able to set up their own blog page, customize it with their own personal description, graphics, and layout, and have used it as a form of publishing for their writing pieces this year. The students can read each others postings, comment on the work of their classmates, and can respond to questions and assignments posted by me, their instructor.

With internet safety being a top concern, my students do not reveal identifying information about themselves on their page, and must have a screen name and password to log in. They also follow strict guidelines about commenting, and each post and comment is screened by the teacher before it will be posted to their blogs to check for appropriate content. The students and parents also signed an agreement at the beginning of our blogging adventure in which they were made aware of the requirements and expectations for blogging etiquette.

Blogging has become second nature for these fifth graders. If you have not had a chance yet, check us out on the web!

http://www.classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=226283