Taking Blogging Up A Notch!

I've been exploring innovative approaches to engage students in blogging, and recently stumbled upon an intriguing article titled "Hot Blogging: A Framework to Promote Higher Order Thinking" by Zawilinski (2009). In this piece, Zawilinski delineates four distinct types of blogs commonly utilized in elementary classrooms: classroom news blogs, mirror blogs, showcase blogs, and literature response blogs.

Classroom news blogs serve as a platform for keeping parents informed about classroom activities and events. Mirror blogs provide students with a reflective space to ponder and articulate their learning experiences. Showcase blogs are designed to exhibit student achievements, showcasing diverse works such as artwork and projects. Literature response blogs facilitate discussions and reflections on literary texts.

Another fascinating approach to blogging is known as quad blogging. This collaborative method involves four blogging classes connecting with one another over the course of several weeks. Each week, one blog from the quad takes center stage, while the other three classes visit and offer comments. Research indicates a wide array of applications and benefits of incorporating blogs into the classroom setting.

Here are some samples of different blogs: (Zawilinski, 2009)

Classroom News Blogs:

Grade 2 Blog: http://2kmand2kj.global2.vic.edu.au/ 

Mary Castle’s first grade blog: http://michellesmelser.blogspot.com

Mr. Thompson’s second grade classroom blog: http://gcs.infostreamblogs.org/tthompson

Mary Kreul’s 4th grade class:  http://mskreul.edublogs.org

Mr. Monson’s grade 5 blog: http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php

blogger_id=59644

Mirror Blogs:

Edublogs Insights: http://anne.teachesme.com

The Miss Rumphius Effect: http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com

Carol Marits’ Grade Four Class: http://classblogmeister.com/

blog.php?blogger_id=119124

Brian Crosby’s 6th Grade Class: http://classblogmeister.com/

blog.php?blogger_id=65078

Grade 1/2/3 Class Blog:

http://openthedoortob4.blogspot.com/

Showcase Blogs:

Have Fun with English!  http://fwe2.motime.com

Ms. Cassidy’s Grade One Classroom Blog:  http://

classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337

Third Grade Blog: http://yollisclassblog.blogspot.com/ 

Literature Response Blogs:

Mary Kreul’s Class Blog:  http://mskreul.edublogs.org/tag/lit-

circles/

Bearup’s Bloggers Fourth Grade:  http://classblogmeister.com/

blog.php?blogger_id=128294&l =1225156782 

English Corner (sixth grade): http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?

blogger_id=17192

How will you take blogging up a notch?

References:

Morris, K. (2011, February 16). Quad Blogging. (Web log comment). Retrieved from http://
primarytech.global2.vic.edu.au/2011/02/16/quad-blogging/

Zawilinski, L. (2009). Hot blogging: A framework for blogging to promote higher order
thinking.  Reading Teacher, 62(8). Retrieved from
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
sid=30844dbf-2066-4c02-9f28-037a71f10532%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=109

Padlet in the Classroom

Imagine Padlet as a digital canvas where creativity knows no bounds! It's not just a virtual wall or bulletin board; it's an online sanctuary where ideas dance freely like notes in a symphony. Picture yourself stepping into a world where every click unleashes a burst of inspiration, where sticky notes adorned with text, images, and videos come together to form a masterpiece of collective imagination.

In the classroom, Padlet becomes a portal to endless possibilities. From collaborative brainstorming sessions to dynamic presentations, its versatility knows no bounds. Whether it's crafting interactive lessons, facilitating group discussions, or showcasing student projects, Padlet transforms learning into a vibrant tapestry of ideas.

And guess what? Padlet isn't just confined to your browser anymore—it's evolved into a Chrome app, waiting to be unleashed from the depths of the web store. So dive in, explore, and let your creativity soar with Padlet!

Here is a tutorial on Padlet:

How can you use it in the classroom?


1. KWL Chart- Students can add sticky notes about what they

 know, what they want to know and what they learned.

2. Exit Slips- add a sticky note about what they learned, 

connections, new ideas and wonderings.

3.  Researching- collaborate and add research with sticky 

notes.




4. Showcasing student work- add photos of their learning. 

(digital portfolio)



5. Documenting Words Their Way sorts:

How can you use it?

Gone Google Story Builder

This weekend, while browsing the web, I stumbled upon Gone Google Story Builder once again. It struck me that this tool holds immense potential for enhancing the learning experience. Gone Google Story Builder ingeniously crafts a mini-movie from your writing journey. With a strict limit of ten characters per exchange, it results in a succinct yet impactful story or video.

Here are some samples: 

Watch this video of a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Here is an example of a story builder titled "Earth: Center of the Universe?"

Another example of creating a math story in story builder:

Ready to try?

Here's how:

• Go to "Gone Google Story Builder"
• Click start and type in the name of the characters in the left hand side (up to 10 characters). Then click write story.
• Choose the character then enter their text.
• Add music.
• Give your story a title.
• Get the link.

(Here is a planning document: Docs Story Builder)

Possible applications in the classroom:

• Write a story
• Share learning (exit slip)
• Perhaps students can predict how a character in a story may react?
• Create a math problem?

Check out the exciting new feature of Google Story called "Masters Edition." Experience the thrill of collaborating with renowned storytellers. When I gave it a try, the story starter was: "It was the best of times, it was..." I added "the worst of times." Suddenly, my favorite poet, Emily Dickinson, chimed in with "An hour behind the fleeting breath," and just as I was about to continue, Edgar Allan Poe swooped in to edit Emily's contribution!

What ways can your students use Gone Google Story Builder for learning?