Exploring Language and Literature: March 2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Using Blogs in the Classroom

For the past year, I've been having students keep blogs to respond to literature or just to reflect on daily life. Although the blogs allow students to practice their writing, it is impossible for me to "mark up" the blogs unless I have the kids print off hard copies. Blogs are more useful for assessing reading comprehension (in journal responses) or conducting online discussion.

This is my teacher blog. You might notice, along the right side, I have links to useful websites, as well as a bookshelf to showcase what I've been reading lately. Students are able to comment on my blog entries, as you'll see in the "Favorite Poems" post.

Below, I've posted some links that might be helpful if you're interested in using blogs in the classroom:

50 Useful Blogging Tools for Teachers

Internet Safety Rules

Blogging Cafe in the Classroom

100 Seriously Cool Classroom Blogs (Organized by Subject)