I currently read a few blogs, and my favorite by far is this one: http://middleschool101.edublogs.org/ .
Anyone who teaches (or is going to teach) Middle School will be amazed at what students in this school do!
For my blog, I used the common core standards since I do not currently teach in New York, and AZ is integrating the Common Core standards in 2012-2013.
Three Ways that students could use blogs in Language Arts:
1. Responded to Literature:
Students often do independent reading. I think that blogging about their books serves several purposes. First of all, students can analyze what is happening in their book and make connections to the world and their lives within the book they chose. Also, students can have an outlet to share reviews about the book they read, and read reviews from other trusted classmates.
Common Core Standards for Literature Grades 9-10:
- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining
where the text leaves matters uncertain.
- Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting
motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters,
and advance the plot or develop the theme
2. What's the Big Idea- Jim Burke
Discussion of big ideas: Articles, Current Events
Students can read articles that are linked on the blog for homework-- focusing mainly on informational text, since that is the most challenging.
Then, students can comment and respond to the comments posted by their classmates. This can create a classroom community and allow everyone to have an equal voice.
Common Core Standards:
-Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the
cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the
language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
- Analyze in detail how an author’s ideas or claims are developed and refined by
particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or
chapter)
3.Daily, Personal Writing
In numerous articles I have read, authors have praised the benefits of daily writing practice. By making writing personal, students can have a chance to both express themselves as adolescents, as well as growing and developing their skills as writers.
For example: Weekly blog requirements- 500 Words
One specific prompt per week to have everyone "on the same page" .
Common Core Standards:
a. Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to
make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g.,
headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to
aiding comprehension.
b. Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended
definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples
appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. I can't wait to read ideas from our classmates and develop more of my own this year!
Excellent suggestions and a fantastic link. Why don't you post it in the Coffee House so that everyone can see it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your expanded definition of daily writing. I think it is especially important for students learning a second language to write as much as possible. Practicing the language is one of the only ways that the language will stick! I took spanish for seven years and because I did not practice it, I did not retain any. This type of blogging would have been extremely helpful for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a amazing article. I really learn and think a lot by reading your article. I like several of your points like Discussion of Big ideas. It is really a good way for students to use and to learn. Also, because it is a brand new type, I think students would love to do their homework on blog. Moreover, I think daily, personal writing is what we could think about. This really is a great article!! I really learn a lot!! Thank you :)
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