My vision, as a way to get kids started and comfortable sharing their thoughts in a public forum, is to lead the blog and encourage (require) responses from the students. For example, I'd write a commentary as a follow up to lessons, stories, or even school news. Using the blog to inspire opinions, my blog would make suggestions that come from my point of view to exemplify the power of the blog, while ending with questions that require the students to share their thoughts, opinions and suggestions.
An example at the elementary school level might be a blog that offers a critique of a story that had just been read to the class. Humor and perhaps an unexpected angle would be tossed out to inspire the students to agree or disagree.
At the high school level, blogging could be used as a forum to discuss recent news at the school. Perhaps changes to a grading policy or new school hours could be fodder for a blog and inspire students to fine tune their public voice and opinion. While requiring students may not be applicable or reasonable, students may recognize the value of weighing in or at the very least be exposed to different opinions that could help them process change better.
These are just a few ways that blogs could be introduced. The important point is to get students involved at the school level so that they develop skills for voicing their opinions constructively. A lesson that many adults can use.
I agree that the most important thing is to get the students involved. Allowing students to be able to voice their own opinions is a great way for them to feel important and appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYes... a lesson could be developed around persuasive writing, bouncing off of what you said. At the HS level, a student blog could be used to document the process of a research project, or for a group book discussion as well. Nicely written and I love the title of your blog! I don't think you will be a "NewB" for long!
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