Blogging for students

I was following the thread about interesting students in blogging on one of your sites and lost track of which one. It’s something that we all seem to be facing- the challenge of getting our students to try new things. As soon as they are associated with school and learning, they lose their edge. If a friend suggested it, they’d be all over it. So the other day, I book-talked the Diamond Willow books to the grade4/5 class at one of my schools. I put my library blog up on the screen and book-talked as I showed them where to find things and how to place comments. They were thoroughly engaged and many can’t wait to read a book and try it out. That particular teacher is also very willing for me to assign the reading and blog response for at least one Diamond book. So maybe we need to catch them a little younger, when they still are not afraid to be enthusiastic about new things. I think many of us felt that if we presented a technology option, they’d be keen immediately. But like so many things in education, we have to have some patience and I do believe as they see others give it a try, it will catch on. Some of the students are also reading other books that they would like to comment on. so it looks like I will be adding a section for Student Picks. I suggested they give me the title and author of the book they’re reding which I will post so that they can begin to comment.
By the way, have you checked out Tanya’s blog? We have a pro in our midst.