An introduction to one of the fastest growing Web 2.0 tools By Mrs. Grossnickle Enrichment Specialist Materials Needed: A piece of paper A pencil

Prepare to Learn! Fold your piece of paper into 4 squares of equal size. Number the squares accordingly

Take two minutes to answer this question in square #1. Time to Share!

Watch and Learn

The Technical Definition blogAccording to Wikipedia, the word blog is a contraction of the term "Web log.” BLOGnounA BLOG (the noun) is defined as: “A website usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order.” blogverbThe word blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

The Kid Friendly Definition In more kid friendly language, a blog is: A Website where you enter information ordered by date. It can also be called a diary or journal that is shared with others online. Blogs can be set up and maintained by almost anyone with an Internet connection.

Noun OR Verb? blog 1.I love to blog! blog 2.I posted a comment on Mrs. G’s blog. blogging 3.I spend an hour blogging every night. blog 4.Today we learned how to blog. blog 5.I subscribe to a blog about rescuing dogs. VERB NOUN VERB NOUN blog Number your paper 1-5 in square #2. Then decide whether each sentence uses the word blog as a noun or as a verb.

Sample Blogs st gradehttp://sabillasville1.blogspot.com/ st gradehttp://tpsroom107.blogspot.com/ th gradehttp://tigersphere.blogspot.com/ th gradehttp://sixthgradew.blogspot.com/ - Mrs. Ghttp://criticalthinkinggrossnickle.blogspot.com/ Number your paper to 5 in square #3. Make a list of the benefits of blogging for students.

1.) Responsibility/Commitment Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible. 2.) Communication Blogging or journaling provides the opportunity to connect with people in a timely manner. 3.) Technology Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help students with communication skills and résumé-building.

4) Improved Writing Skills When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work. 5.) Improved Editing Skills Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally. 6.) Improved Spelling Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur. 7.) Typing/Keyboarding Students will become familiar with the keyboard layout, quickly making them proficient typists.

1. This blog belongs to the school so all school rules apply here, too! 2. Never write anything that you don't want everyone to know. 3. Always show respect to the authors of posts and comments. 4. Use your "Student Number" to submit a comment, never use your name. 5. Have fun blogging with your friends (and complete strangers)!

Your first blogging assignment is: –By Friday of this week, respond to the post/question posted on Mrs. G’s blog. –After you have thoughtfully responded to the post/question, you may comment on someone else’s response by adding another comment. –If you do this, respond like this: Responding to Fred…I agree with your idea about…..Responding to Fred…I agree with your idea about…..

BLOGGINGIn the 4 rd square of your paper, make a list of at least 5 things you learned today about BLOGGING. On the back of your paper, answer the following question: How do students educationally benefit from blogging? Describe at least 3 ways that you learned from today’s lesson.