Some may ask why kids blog?
Kids can learn a great deal about writing, creativity, and computers. Parents and teachers can mentor and monitor young bloggers for maximum benefits.
Understand Risks
Many youngsters do not understand that there are risks associated with blogging and social networking. It is very important for a teacher or parent to understand why kids blog and to be aware of a child’s online activity and to be a guiding force in the writing. Parents and educators can limit access to the blog to only family and friends.
Educational Advantages
Classroom blogging can be viewed as educational blogging. The teacher may provide writing prompts and monitor the written material. Students can explore topics they are interested in; developing a coherent blog and finding out why kids blog can be a research project in and of itself.
Recognize Safety
Sites for children do not have the safety issues associated with social networking sites. As mentioned earlier, parents can limit who views the information. It can be started with simply a user name; no personal information needs to be given.
By encouraging students to write on a specific educational topic, they will not be posting information about where they are located at a specific time. This is a common problem with unsupervised sites and social networking. Outsiders can see where you are and that poses a safety issue.
Encourage Creativity
Blogging allows youngsters to explore their creativity, original ideas and explore reasons why kids blog. It can make them enthusiastic to write – imagine that! Students can work with other students to develop ideas through positive feedback. Students learn about the responsibilities of the written word through writing online. Facts must be verified and an offhand remark can last a lifetime. Students can also learn about the serious issues related to journalism.
Learning Benefits
Blogging prepares kids for writing in the outside world, for life after school. The teamwork involved in the classroom can be really gratifying for students. Teachers and parents should recognize the educational benefits of student blogging. By understanding why kids blog and taking control and guiding student online writing in a positive manner, some of the intrigue of the online world is removed. Children can be encouraged to behave responsibly online, instead of spreading gossip and mischief.
Improvement of writing skills is an obvious benefit of student blogging. Kids may actually become interested in how to string words together when they realize their peers will read it. Student blogging can take away the agony of reading work aloud to the class and still receive feedback through written comments. Children can improve their writing and life skills through online blogging.
