Teachers can make a blog for kids to facilitate learning outside the classroom.
Blogging for kids has many benefits including teaching writing skills, fostering discussions and allowing a reflection on classroom topics.
Read on if you’re a teacher interested in ways to make a blog for kids to encourage outside classroom learning.
Advances in computer technology are changing the way students learn in the classroom. Once a computer in a classroom was a rare sight now it is quite common today. Why not take advantage of blogging as a way to interact with students virtually?
When you decide to make a blog for kids there are several factors you should consider. Students will need an email address and access to a computer outside the classroom. You should also decide on the blog’s purpose in the classroom. Once you have the direction that this blog will lead students then you can begin building your blog.
Keep the following tips in mind when you decide to make a blog for kids.
1) You have to have an idea or direction before you begin blogging for kids.
You can make one blog that students access and work with for assignments, or you have kids build their own blog and make it their own.
Whichever decision you decide is best for your classroom will be met with smiles and enthusiasm.
If you decide to allow each student to express themselves with their own blog there are several platforms available specifically for this purpose.
Do your research before you post your first assignment entry to ensure the safety and privacy of your students. Safeguarding kids against malicious Internet threats is a top priority.
2) Once you’ve got your blog set up and students are ready to access it you should set up a few blogging rules.
When you make a blog for kids it allows them to be freer with their thoughts, so establish right and wrong responses to assignments and other student comments. Since blogging is more personal than classroom discussions shy students may feel a bit braver keying entries than raising their hands in class. Blogging for kids is also a way to see who is and isn’t doing their homework. Allow students to earn credit by commenting or posting a certain amount of items each week.
3) If you’re still unsure about why you should make a blog for kids consider these benefits.
Blogging for kids allows them to continue engaging classroom discussions outside of class, practice writing and reading skills and foster computer skills. Since students will be writing for a real audience of their peers they will learn how to respect others who post on the internet without engaging in inappropriate behavior. Assigning a certain number of posts or comments a week will encourage even the quietest student to perk up and participate in an online discussion. When you make a blog for kids you begin to build many essential life skills.
4) Take precautions to ensure student safety.
Since blogging for students will be done mostly through Internet access there are a few precautions to take. Protecting your students is your top priority and you are all to aware of the dangers of hacking and cyber-bullying. Although your students may act civilly while surfing the web you should still encourage them to practice safe web searches and proper posting etiquette. Teach them how to choose strong passwords or encourage students to change passwords periodically. Since you cannot protect students all the time enlist the help of their parents when class ends. Blogging for kids instills these safe web-surfing practices for future computer lessons.
Blogging for kids opens up an entire new world of learning. Students will love the chance to use a computer and you’ll enjoy watching their learning grow. When you make a blog for kids the lessons extend far beyond the classroom and will stay with your students for many years.
And always remember, creative blogging improves writing skills and allows students to express themselves in a positive way!
