I would love to start a blog in my ninth grade English classroom. I had an idea to assign an outside reading novel and then assign critical thinking questions, and have my students collaborate with their class members as well as with other students of the same level. I think as time went on, we could expand our horizons and start to interact with students from other schools outside of our district, perhaps even in neighboring states, and eventually worldwide. I always plan on assigning outside reading for all of my students, but end up only accomplishing the task with my honor students. My college prep kids sometimes fall through the cracks because I run out of time, but this would be a terrific way to access the assignment-through blogging. I know my students would enjoy collaborating with their peers, and also with students from other schools. I think if my students felt the impact of their learning, and realized other kids were doing what they were doing, it would make it that much more interesting for them.
Blogging about an outside reading novel would enhance their reading and writing skills because they would have to read the novel before they could intelligently answer the questions and discuss. Also, if they knew a variety of students were going to see their work and discuss the novel with them, they would think twice about jotting down just anything, or reading the cliffs notes. This would also offer the students who don't speak up in class, to offer their insights. This classroom blog could serve as a learning tool for all students. They would interact with other students about a novel they truly like, and they could gain knowledge and be able to expand on their ideas.
I think this type of blogging activity enhances the lesson because we read various novels in class, and I think this would be an extension of this. I always tell my students, "The more you read, the smarter you become. You are exercising your mind, and you are expanding your vocabulary. All of this will help you function as a productive member of society, and wouldn't it be cool to use a big word once in a blue moon?"
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Joseph to Roxanne
ReplyDeleteSome great ideas with a wealth of potential for inspired learning. I too have aspirtions of having students blog to a wider, global audience. Would blogging be required in your classes, or would an alternative assignment exist. Can we make kids blog publicaly if they do not want to? It's a fine line to have to cross, but are we doing a diservice if we don't make them do it?
Sarah to Roxanne:
ReplyDeleteFinding ways to get students to read outside of school is definitely a challenging task and yet one that teachers must tackle if they want students to be successful readers. I love your ending quote and hope you do not mind if I use it on Monday with my students!
I think that incorporating a blog dedicated to an outside book will get students more engaged in the process. You could even allow more student choice with this type of assignment, because you could have a blog dedicated to each book. I do wonder how you will facilitate these book blogs though. Will you be posting questions that students will reflect on? Will you allow the students to manage the conversation and just check in? Remember Richardson's advice to start small and have students read other blogs and practice before starting more independent work (2006).
•Richardson, W. (2006). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Roxanne,
ReplyDeleteBy outside novel, do you mean an independent novel or self selected novel? I'm trying to make sure I am on your same wavelength. If so, are the questions you would have them answer just general questions relating to process, skill, and content standards for your grade level? I only ask this because it sounds like something I would like to do as well. We must make sure that what we teach and require, especially if assigning a grade for it, is directly related to the stanards we are to be assessing. (I know, when I say stuff like that, it kind of puts a damper on our creative flow!)
I think what I like most about this is (if I'm understanding it reight) the personal choice you are giving the students. This will help them establish their identities of readers which is oh so important.
Debb
Roxanne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response to my comment above at my blog. I think the best way for you to start small might be to use the blog as a supplement to the class discussion at first. Then you could be providing models to students on the types of reflections that are appropriate. It might also help you figure out if three days is too many or too few to expect students to post insights.