Kidblog

What is Blogging?

Blogging is the logging of your thoughts, ideas, experiences and more in one place on the web.  The term is short for web log.

“A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links.”  Source

“Short for Web log, a blog is a Web page that serves as a publicly accessible personal journal for an individual. Typically updated daily, blogs often reflect the personality of the author.” Source

“A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is “blogging” and someone who keeps a blog is a “blogger.” Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog. Postings on a blog are almost always arranged in chronological order with the most recent additions featured most prominently.”  Source

Unsure about blogging?  Watch these videos for a simple explanation of blogging.

What is Kidblog? "Kidblog is built by teachers, for teachers, so students can get the most out of the writing process."

Kidblog is designed as a blog to help students publish their writing safely on the internet.  Students can respond to a prompt given by their teacher which may be from a reading lesson or discussion in class.  It can be used in all academic areas to enhance written communication and collaboration with a global audience.

Kidblog in 5th Grade

Students in Mrs. Anderson's 5th grade English/Language Arts classes are using Kidblog.  They were introduced to the program, given their username and password and discussed safety and digital citizenship on the internet.  

Students received several handouts to help them with blogging. Student Checklist - Instructions on writing posts and comments. Blogging Rubric for Teachers - How the student will be graded.

My Blog Contract   A promise to follow internet safety rules.

Thanks to Paula Klipfel for these worksheets!

Check out the teacher collaboration information for using Kidblog in the classroom using "Blendspace".

Massachusetts and Common Core Standards for ELA

W.5.4   Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3.)

W.5.5   With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

W.5.6  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

SL.5.1   Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.