Using Blogs to Enhance Reading and Writing

Using Blogs in the Classroom to Enhance Reading and Writing Instruction

Amanda Rapstad

• Worldwide Audience - anyone (that you allow) can see student's writing on a blog - grandparents, teachers, parents, friends, etc. In a typical classroom setting writing is only shared between the teacher and student. Students will want to do more if others see their work.
• Teachers Process Approach - students can continually revise and edit their writing
• Encourages a Sense of Community in the Classroom - students can read and respond to other's writing 
• Focus on Content - Student's focus are on ideas and content rather than mechanics. Students can go back and edit ideas later, but creativity in their writing is encouraged.

Check out some of these examples of blogs used with students in the classroom.

http://yollisclassblog.blogspot.com

http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337

http://www.2mgems.blogspot.com

http://arapstad.edublogs.org

Starting a blog is easy. Sign up for a free classroom blog at a website such as:

www.edublogs.org

www.wordpress.com

www.blogger.com

There are tons of blog spots out there so pick one that fits your needs. Edublogs is specifically designed to be used in education so it's always a good start.

If you want students to have their own individual blogs kidblog.org is a great site. You create the password and username for students so that it is private and students don't have to have an email to join. You can create a class with all your students to easily monitor and make sure everything is kept safe.

Here are some resources for teachers getting started with blogs.

http://legacy.teachersfirst.com/content/blog/blogbasics.cfm

http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/weblogs/#start