Kidblog

October 2, 2015

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Today students created their own blogs.  To do this, I use “Kidblog” which is a private website that does not allow anyone aside from students in our class to view/ comment on student blogs. I am the "Administrator" of all blogs, and can edit, view, etc. all student blogs.  As a class, we will discuss appropriate and inappropriate ways to use these blogs to write and communicate with each other.  I expect students to be respectful and responsible in their use of their blogs.  Students will only be blogging in the classroom, on Fridays.  I have used this website before, and it has been very successful in its purpose.

The purpose of these blogs is to provide students with an authentic audience for their writing as well as a space to publish their thinking. In addition, when blogging, I will teach students basic keyboarding and computer skills. Furthermore, the majority of the writing published on student blogs will be regarding the books students are currently reading.  Again, blogs are a space for students to document their thinking and collaborate with their peers using productive talk moves. Specifically, blogs allow students to comment on and build ideas off of each other’s thinking.  

Please contact me via email if you have any questions or concerns about blogging.  

Blogs:  Today we solely spent time logging onto Kidblog and setting up our blogs.  After getting our blogs set up, many of the kids were pretty excited to show parents at home.  Because I have not taught them how to comment/ post, they are not allowed to do this at home YET :).  However, they can show you their blog.  Under "Reminders" you'll find the link.  Thank you!

Homework:

• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Unit 1 Math Assessment: Wednesday, October 7
• Conferences:  Thursday, October 15.
• Food Drive:  Donations are being accepted for any non-perishable food items.  Thank you!
• Kidblog link:  https://kidblog.org/class/RES11/login

Classroom Supplies:

Thank you,

Mrs. O'Neill