Blogging in the Classroom

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?"