Preston,+Karen+4-C-3

Blogging in the Classroom

Concept / Topic To Teach: Students will use Word Press to create their own blog page.

Upon completion of the school year, students will be able to: Create finished blogging products Communicate, using blog posts, with others in the class as well as globally Write a blog to communicate with parents and students Apply the knowledge and skills to effectively blog Use blogging in all subject areas

Required Materials: Computer, Internet Access, index card, pencil

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): In the days prior to this lesson, the students will be shown various examples of blogs created by journalists, teachers, and students.

Step-By-Step Procedures:

Step 1: Go to wordpress.com.

Step 2: Create a username and password. On the index card given, place your name, username and password created. I will collect the index cards for future reference.

Step 3: Go to New Post in drop box under My Blog heading.

Step 4: Compose a Title using the the writing prompt: What is happening around you today?

Step 5: Write a blog using the writing prompt What is happening around you today? You can talk about the weather, world or local events, or your plans for the evening.

Step 6: Be sure you run your spell check before posting to your blog.

Step 7: Select the Publish button on the right side to post your first blog. You can select preview to view your work before publishing.

Step 8: Send a link to your blog to your teacher’s email.

Plan For Independent Practice: Students are able to locate other blogs on Word Press and read and respond if desired. The students will have time to explore background settings and fonts to make their blog more attractive.

Possible Connections To Other Subjects: In future writing assignments, the students will have writing prompts that will include all subject areas.

Assessment: Students will be evaluated formatively as the writing prompts are given. This will help the student improve their performance using blogs. Grades are based on the Writing Rubric below.

Writing Rubric Content Exemplary Possible points 25 Thorough and thoughtful response. Clearly reflects specific information presented in the writing prompt. Demonstrates depth of understanding in the knowledge, skills, and strategies from the blogging lessons

Proficient Possible points 15 Complete response. Somewhat relates to the specific information presented in the writing prompt Demonstrates some understanding in the knowledge, skills, and strategies from the blogging lessons

Developing Possible points 5 Incomplete or superficial response. Nonspecific and general in nature, not related to specific writing prompt. Demonstrates a lack of understanding in the knowledge, skills, and strategies from the blogging lessons

Total Score /25

Mechanics Exemplary Possible points 5 One to two well- written paragraphs with complete sentences and correct grammar and spelling.

Proficient Possible points 2 Comprehensible sentences, undeveloped paragraph with several grammar and/or spelling errors.

Developing Possible points 0 Incomplete sentences, unorganized thoughts with poor grammar and spelling.

Total Score /5

If some of these four areas are met and some are not, the participant could fall somewhere between exemplary and proficient, or between proficient and developing. For example, if an assignment is thorough and thoughtful, clearly relates to the content, and demonstrates depth of understanding, but doesn't demonstrate personal insight or specific examples, that's three of the four. This would be somewhere between exemplary and proficient, closer to exemplary.