Page 4 My Approach I view the student’s blogs performing two functions. First and foremost, it is a site for them to put their writing. Secondly, it is a site for them to showcase things they have done that they are proud of. As a site for their writing, this is where almost all of the student’s Language Arts and Social Studies writing assignments exist. Prior to going straight up on their blog, the students will submit their written work via a Google Doc which was distributed through one of their Google Classrooms. This allowsmetoeditandmakesuggestions on their writing before they cut and paste the good copy into their blog. After that it is just a matter of adding some supporting pictures. As a site for them to showcase achievements, this is where anything could go up provided it does not contain any photos of them or their friends. Typically a post of this sort would be a simple photo of the following: art projects, science worksheets, math assignments etc…. They can snap a photo of it with their Chromebook cam, crop it a bit and post it along with a short description and explanation of why they chose it. Blogging Tips Here is a list of tips to assist you if you choose to get blogging with Edublogs: 1. Write down your students’ usernames and passwords in a safe place. They will inevitably forget! 2. Have them email their blog link to you. Then, copy and paste all these links into one Doc so you have a go-to spot to view all of their blogs. 3. Be firm with these rules: Post no pics of themselves or classmates. Never post your family name. Privacy first and foremost! 4. Allow them occasions to post directly into their blog. This means skipping the editing process. Not everything in life is perfect...apply this truth to your students’ blogs. 5. Think “blog”. My students’ post on their blogs about 3 times a week. Whenever I hear a student say “I have nothing to do” I can say “Why don’t you make a blog post about (math, science etc…)”. It’s a win win. Their blog grows and they are engaged. If you are not tech savvy, don’t worry, your students will blow you away with how quickly they figure it all out. Get them logged in, roughly show them the ropes and they will be blogging in no time. Then, just sit back and week after week watch their blogs grow and become a great record everything they’ve done all year!