Amy Holtsclaw, Librarian Cantrall Elementary and Intermediate Schools

The Bluestems Before Blogging… Students were checking out the books, but I wasn’t sure if they were really reading them. Not much interaction between students or between myself and students about the books beyond “How’d you like it?” and “It was good.” Not a ton of excitement about voting or seeing the results.

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Guidelines For Students Be Specific Avoid “This book was awesome!” or “I didn’t like this book” responses. Add the why or because for the statements. 2-3 sentences are all you need Be nice You can disagree with others, and I encourage conversations about the books, but no name-calling or putting others down if they don’t agree with you.

First Year Learning Curve The main things I learned from the first year of Blogging were: Archives go in the order you post them, and while you have some wiggle room in how they display, the multi-month made it hard for students to find the book they wanted to respond to, especially since I posted as I read the books. I wasn’t too strict on the specific part of their responses – I was happy to just get responses! I figured with time they would get better at it. Overall, I think they did pretty well.

Things I Changed in Year Two I posted all entries at once so they end up in one month. Much easier for students to find the book they want to respond to! I talked up the party at the end more the second year, and sent home information through the school newsletter and teacher newsletters more. I chased down students who had three posts and needed one more in January so they could get another finished in time to vote. I sent invitations to the students who qualified to attend the party.

The Stats students blogged 123 comments on all 20 books. 15 students qualified to vote – 42 students blogged 259 comments on all 20 books. 34 students qualified to vote 2014 – As of 10/27, 72 comments on books have been posted.

The Party!! Food and drinks are a must! Last year I used the individually wrapped bags of chips, etc. and it was hard to have a conversation with all the crinkling bags! I’ll look for easy, but quieter snacks for this year! Direct the conversation and try and make sure everyone gets a chance to talk – I had them tell me some of their favorite books and why they liked them, also let them say if they were disappointed in any and why. Students could also have a chance to persuade others why their favorite should win. Had the party in the library, but if we have more than I can fit at the tables, may move it to the cafeteria this year.