One thing I have loved about blogging and what it does for my students is how easily it has been to integrate it into our curriculum. I knew when we started that I didn’t want an extra layer of “stuff to do” because we already have too much “stuff to do.” So if I were to have my students blog, it had to be as authentic and as meaningful as possible, without it becoming another homework burden. With that in mind, here are some beginning ideas for integrating blogging into your classroom.
- Those daily journal responses we have to do as part of writers and readers workshop, those go on our blog instead for those who choose it. Some students prefer to type, others relish the pencil and paper, I love that they have a choice.
- Writing about our reading. I love when students write about the books that they read or give recommendations. When we blog about that it opens up a dialogue, rather than a static finished product. Here students can become experts on their books and connect with others that loved it (or hated it) just as much as they did.
- Science detectives. I love adding video cameras and digital cameras to our lessons. They offer students a different way to document their learning and they always provide me with a much deeper insight of what students now versus a worksheet. So why not post it on our blog for others to see and learn with us. This is a great a way for parents to see what is happening, as well as for the kids to be questioned by other classes or scientists. This adds a whole other dimension to our experiments.
- Editorials or just plain old opinions. I love when students use their blogs to form, discuss or expand on their ideas. Our blogs are used to comment on the happenings in the classroom. I ask the students to become reflective learners and process their role as a student. It never ceases to amaze me what I learn from students when they open up on their blog.
- Deepening social studies. I believe in project based learning and social studies lends itself incredibly well to this. So I encourage students to expand their thinking about their project through their blogs, as well as to post finished products if “postable.”
- Group writing. I love it when students write blog posts together, whether it be for a story or to share a common experience. Blogging as a team or group shows off their ability to conform to a common voice while adding individual flair.
- Reporting on events. When we go anywhere or take a virtual field trip I ask students to share their experiences, show of their expertise, and give me their honest opinion. Field trips don’t end after you get back, they should be digested and discussed and blogging is a great medium for that.
- Furthering their mathematical thinking. I used to have students do exit slips on which they explained something we learned in their own words and while I still use them once in a while, I love using our blog instead. I have students create a problem that fits into what we discussed and then solve it for, or explain their thinking behind the problem. We can then invite others into our math class and students get to share their knowledge.
- Let me know how I am doing. While not part of our curriculum, this is a huge factor in the success of our classroom. Students have to have a mouthpiece in education and by voicing their opinions on our blogs we are able to engage other educators and students in the debate. Change starts with us, so we should be providing students with an outlet for their opinions.
These ideas are beginnings, there are so many things you can do with student blogs, you just have to jump in and look for the natural fits in your curriculum. Students don’t need more work, they need more authenticity in their educational experience. Blogs can help us do that.
Pernille Ripp 
Thank you for this excellent & thoughtful post, so full of ideas.. it is helpful & your post motivated me..thank
These are excellent ideas! Thank you 🙂
Thanks for sharing these ideas. I'm working on a similar post for ideas I use in Language Arts. I have students do some of the same posts you mentioned.
Don't forget that the Common Core Writing standards include "argumentative writing" which is a natural for blogs. Great book at http://www.heinemann.com/products/E01396.aspx
Thank you for this post and for directing me here. I think blogging has a role in learning and it will take time to implement it more universally. This is ground-breaking work which has a flavour of choice for teachers which I am, quite frankly, unaccustomed to. Given choice and support, teachers might line up and want to do implement blogging. As I have found in my personal life, it fills a void for me and can for student learning.
Really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
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A very informative post indeed. I'll surely add this to my bookmarks and refer this to my colleagues.
Blogging is actually good for students as long as they stay in the parameters of their topics. When I joined a webinar by an organic search engine optimization company, I’ve heard a lot of benefits of blogging, students should also be encouraged to attend events such as this one, to deepen their knowledge about blogging and appreciate what they’re doing.
I'm curious for your next post. Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog. I'm amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that's both equally educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Wishing you best of luck..
It’s actually a good idea that they’ve included blogging in some student’s curriculum. In this way, they are preparing the students into the real world, by letting them explore the wonders of the internet and blogging; they are also teaching them on how to proofread their own work before publishing it on the internet.
When I was a student I also tried out blogging but my biggest mistake is the unawareness on how to protect your original content. My work was "stolen" and it made me stop blogging. I wanted to start blogging again but this unawareness makes me hesitant. I am planning to talk to a trademark attorney in NYC if I have time, so I could start blogging again.
Thanks for sharing all these. I'm encouraging my young friends to blog and express their ideas, and this is helping us a lot. I'm also a blog writer, but I don't exactly 'train' them; I just encourage them to speak their ideas out online because it can benefit them in so many ways.
I am glad for this blog post, its have a wonderful ideas and unique content. Thank you so much for adding on such a wonderful way of submission. Childrens party
A student blog can help a student to be prepared in many ways. In this age where the internet and websites are widely used. It can prepare them to be aware for future opportunities.
Thanks! As a content writer, I encourage my siblings to blog and improve their skills. Your list of ideas would come in handy. I don't have the time to discuss these to them because I've been busy with the news correspondence in Arizona, so thanks for making this brief!
I can’t see anything wrong with including blogging into the student’s curriculum. This could actually help the students improve their writing and communication skills. I just hope these students can finish their studies to be able to apply what they have learned in school.
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These ideas are very good keep i up.
Thanks very much for any help. You really put some time into writing this post. I'm sure everyone really appreciates it, as i do 🙂
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