I have recently been thinking about how I could utilize this blog in my fifth grade classroom. It seems as though it would be a great tool to help foster more learning and discussion amongst my students. One way in which I could see myself using this blog in my classroom would be to post a discussion question or topic. Then, I could tell the students that their assignment (for either class or homework) is to get on and respond to the discussion question or topic. I could create a generic rubric for students to follow when posting to our classroom blog.
One area that I could see this being a huge benefit would be in my reading class. I try to foster student learning through discussions and this is such a technologically advanced way that the students could discuss their thoughts. For example, we are reading Bridge to Terabithia as a class novel. Right now, we are focusing on the differences in the two settings, Lark Creek and Terabithia. The students could each post a difference they found between the two settings. The would allow not only for me to see if they are understanding the information, but they are also able to read and respond to everyone else's responses.
I am interested in learning other ways to incorporate blogging into everyday learning. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
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I like your idea for comparing and contrasting the two settings. You might want to limit them to only one observation otherwise one overachiever will get all of the obvious ones and make it difficult for the other students. Something that your post made me think of is an assignment I loved doing as a child. Each student would write a paragraph (in your grade level it might be more appropriate to say one or two sentences) adding to a "class story". The students can take it in any direction. One child might say "The princess found a toad and kissed him" then the next child could write "Then an angry alien came down and crushed them all sending the whole world into a panic!" It isn't very relevant to any standard other than having them practice writing and developing story lines. I just loved it because it allows for individuality, creativity and I think it would make the students beg to log on to add their two cents to the story. Just an idea! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! That would be a great idea. Especially because it would also really enforce the idea for students to have to get on and follow the blog. They would have to know what has already been said in order to continue posting. Great thought!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a great lesson already set up. It is amazing the opportunities that this can provide us as educators and our students alike. One suggestion or tip would be for all of us to remember that our students should never use their real names on these blogs for safety reasons especially if they are posting information about where they go to school and things of that nature. When I implement this into my lessons I am going to have my students pick a random screen name and give it to me so I know exactly who each kid is so I can give them credit for their work.
Matthew and Jacqueline-
ReplyDeleteMatthew that is a great idea about having them create a different name in order to protect them but will also illuminate the stereotyping and segregation/clicks that happen during school.
Jacqueline-
Just thinking a loud maybe you could use blogging as a way to review or as a form of an assessment. Another idea might be to use blogging as a journal entry which might be to similar to responding to questions though or you could try to use blogging to have the students act as a character and respond to questions like they are that character in the story. Having each student act as a different character and requiring them to really be/talk like the character might be a creative way to get the students involved in the novel. Again I am just thinking out loud and some of these might sound good on paper but in theory might not work. I guess this is what blogging is all about, brainstorming with others from around the world.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeletei like your idea about using the blog for a book discussion. I am presently reading a book that I have ordered to use with my level ones in ASL. I have never done this before, having the whole class read a book together. I like your idea because many times there are students who will not join in a discussion, but if you have them blogging, everyone has a chance to contribute, especially if they are not using their own names!
My question to you is this, what will you do with those students who do not have a computer at home or internet access?
Lynn-
ReplyDeleteI will give them time to complete the assignment at school. I work in an area where not all students have internet access at home. When I start implementing this, I am going to have students respond on the blog, rather than doing a "worksheet" or something similar. I think the students who do have access may find it fun or exciting and may log on at home as well, but at least that way, it allows everyone an opportunity to participate.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteWe have an advisement block every other day in our school where students to go to different teachers for help. I could always have the students without computers at ome come during that time also, if they don't finish in class!