This week, I am exploring the idea of using a blog in my classroom. I think that since I currently teach 1st grade, I would use a blog as a way to showcase their work, like an talking bulletin board. Why should I do this? What purpose would this serve? Well for one, I believe it would do a lot for the self confidence of my students. They will gain much needed knowledge in oral communication if they have to read in front of the camera. I would love some suggestions on how to differentiate instruction for some of my struggling students using blogs.
...a place to gather, share, and learn.
To read or not to read
You know your class, but do you have students who would prefer to talk in their own words instead of reading what they wrote? Goes back to the oral tradition before there was a written language.
Oral tradition
I have several ELL students as well as a few other students who at this time have bit of difficulty with written language. But they can communicate orally just fine. Thanks for the tip!
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best" Marva Collins
Make believe
What a great idea. The question about how to differentiate the instruction got me thinking, and then when I read the idea of letting the students use their own words/oral history, I made another connection.
I thought of the book I read called "The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter" by Vivian Paley. A great read for anyone who loves the art and science of teaching by the way. For those who haven't read it, the teacher would allow the students to act out their stories. So perhaps allowing students to act might be a good way to differentiate. Plus it would make for some very entertaining videos.
Here is a link to the Paley book:
The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter
Common Theme
Oral tradition and helicopter have one thing in common. They stress that reading means getting meaning from the printed word. It is entirely different from decoding which is only one way to teach reading.
Make believe rocks!
I love the book! Thanks for the link. I was just commenting to a co-worker the other day that some of the students in my class lack imagination. She responded that they to don't play like we played. This is so true. I wonder what kind of effect that has on a child when they are all grown up. Do they lack creativity later on in life?
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best" Marva Collins
Differentiation
You could let allow the struggling students an opportunity to share written pieces, artwork or a combination of both to gain confidence. You can also let students work in pairs to aid the struggling students. Some students may get nervous in front of a camera, so they could just record audio only.
Would you use a blog that is set to private because of the age of your students?
Just something to think about.
Good Luck
Yes I will have to check on
Yes I will have to check on what is acceptable when blogging with students this young. Thanks for the tip.
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best" Marva Collins
Podcasting and video
Hi Room 222,
I think using a blog is a great idea for 1st graders. I especially like the idea of a pod cast or video to work on communication goals. With all we have to teach first graders to do, communication goals sometimes go to the wayside; but many students --English Language Learners (ELLs), students with communication disorders and shy students, especially-- need more language activities and instruction. You and your students would have a great record of progress on their communication and writing growth, not to mention great discussion pieces.
Of course, adding video and audio would require all sorts of parent permission slips, etc. Maybe if it's only for your classroom's viewing, you won't need too many permission slips. You might enlist help from school or district tech support, if it's available.
District Tech
Thanks for the tip on enlisting the help of tech support! She was so much help!
"Excellence is not an act but a habit. The things you do the most are the things you will do the best" Marva Collins
the squeaky wheel
You're welcome. I've found that since tech support staff tends to be small and stretched thin, you only get help if you actively seek it out.