2. STUDENT BLOGS GETTING STARTED Melissa Carber, Media Specialist, Britton’s Neck Elementary School

3. Dear Parents, When Mrs. Merritt suggested our TAG students start blogs, I was hesitant. We are so busy now with so many different activities, and I wasn’t sure how hard it would be to set one up, and how safe they were, and so on. Of course, being a Librarian, I had to do some research. Below are some of the reasons I found on websites for starting a blog for students. I have included the website addresses below each list, in case you would like to read the complete articles. Now that I’ve learned more, I can’t wait to get started!

4. What is a Blog? Blogging is “web logging,” or keeping an online journal. Blogs, because of their ease of use, and because of the context of news and editorial column writing, have become a highly effective way to help students to become better writers. Research has long shown that students write more, write in greater detail, and take greater care with spelling, grammar, and punctuation, when they are writing to an authentic audience over the Internet. -David Warlick

5. Why We Blog  To Develop Good Digital Citizens To Develop Good Digital Citizens  To Create Constructive Commenters To Create Constructive Commenters  To Allow Student Voice and Choice To Allow Student Voice and Choice  To Develop Enthusiasm for Writing To Develop Enthusiasm for Writing  To Integrate Technology To Integrate Technology

6. Where We Blog  KIDBLOG KIDBLOG  All You Need to Know about Kidblog All You Need to Know about Kidblog

7. When We Blog  During G/T class at a designated computer station  Sometimes at any computer, if other stations are finished  During recess, in the Library  Evenings and weekends from home  During school when they’ve finished their other work

8. What the Experts Say  Give Your Students a Voice Give Your Students a Voice  Start with Paper Blogging Start with Paper Blogging  The Importance of Commenting The Importance of Commenting  “Skill and Enthusiasm” “Skill and Enthusiasm”  http://kidslearntoblog.com/free-blogs-for-kids-improve-skills/ http://kidslearntoblog.com/free-blogs-for-kids-improve-skills/  http://kidslearntoblog.com/5-reasons-blogging-great-hobby-children/ http://kidslearntoblog.com/5-reasons-blogging-great-hobby-children/  http://kidslearntoblog.com/the-literacy-act-of-blogging/ http://kidslearntoblog.com/the-literacy-act-of-blogging/

9. What the Students Say

19. Getting Started  Kidblog's New Platform Kidblog's New Platform  Three Tips Three Tips  Free Blogs to Improve Skills Free Blogs to Improve Skills

20. More Information  http://kidslearntoblog.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-kidblog/ http://kidslearntoblog.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-kidblog/  http://kidslearntoblog.com http://kidslearntoblog.com  http://kidblog.org/home/three-tips-for-successful-student-blogging/ http://kidblog.org/home/three-tips-for-successful-student-blogging/  http://www.edudemic.com/blog-with-students/ http://www.edudemic.com/blog-with-students/  http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/blogging-with-students/ http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org/blogging-with-students/  http://www.theedublogger.com/2008/02/13/tips-on-blogging-with-students/ http://www.theedublogger.com/2008/02/13/tips-on-blogging-with-students/  http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml  http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml  Contact Me: mcarber@marion.k12.sc.us