Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Blogs in Literature

An ongoing struggle in our department has been trying to increase the reading of our students. We are constantly trying to think of ways to expose our students to new literature and to make reading enjoyable. I have to admit year two has been going more smoothly. I have students who honestly enjoy reading, so my next step with these kids is have them expand their reading base. Instead of reading a graphic novel EVERY time, maybe we could throw in a short story here or there. I think I could use a blog in my classroom as a tool my students could use to share and discuss literature. Honestly, this would best be down in combination with a few other classes, so that my students have more people to share with. Ideally, I would love to combine with a school from a different region so that my students would not only be excited to share their books, but to get to know other students. Many of my students are shy and uncomfortable sharing thoughts and ideas. I think using a blog would be a great place for my students to participate in discussions about something we are reading, or something they have independently read. My next unit will be on the story To Kill a Mockingbird, which in past years my students have really enjoyed. In many schools, this is required reading, so it might be easy to find a few teachers I know in other schools who are discussing the same book. Using a blog would enhance this unit because it would provide a non-threatening environment for my students to discuss different parts of the story. Not only could they practice their writing skills, they also could work on editing skills so they are proud of the comments they post. I will use this blog with my 10th grade Literature class. I think I will start it for discussions about our novel. I think having the students each respond to a discussion question of their choices, and then also later in the week take the time to read and comment on another students post. This would not only be a good tool for discussion, but also on peer interaction.

I think the "newness" of using a blog will catch my students interest right away. Down the line I would love for my students to use the blog to share books they are reading, and to get ideas for new books. For now, I'll start small. I'll start with a novel I am familiar with and that has sparked some wonderful conversations in the past. Wish me luck!!

2 comments:

  1. Mandy-
    I am very excited to hear about your adventures with in-class blogging. My literature classes have had a lot of fun using the site shelfari.com instead. You can control the questions (and reply threads) that students work with, while allowing kids the access to turn to the electronic text. Also, student insights see a larger audience (worldwide, at times) which may prompt some internet-savvy discussion. Good luck!
    -Becca Venable

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  2. Thanks so much for the idea! I'll have to try it out! It's so helpful to hear from someone who's tried it before.

    Thanks!
    :)

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