Teaching ten classes of first and second graders in the use of technology each week, the thought of using blogs was not really a consideration due to limits in reading, writing, and typing ability. However, after doing some research and speaking with colleagues, I have developed a fun and exciting way to introduce blogging into the curriculum. Our first grade students already engage in a reading and writing program utilizing Billy Bear. Billy Bear is a stuffed bear which rotates through all the first grade classes. Billy Bear goes with his assigned class as they travel to support classes, the lunch room, and even the bus. When the teachers pick up the students they leave a Billy Bear post-it note describing what he learned in class that day. As students move around the school each day they reflect on what Billy Bear learned by reading his notes. It is my intention to take this lesson one step farther by building a blog for Billy Bear (http://adventuresofbillybear.blogspot.com), and have each class submit posts to the blog on a weekly basis.
The purpose of this blog will be to introduce students to blogging technology at a young age in order to get them accustom to reading, thinking about, and developing responses in an virtual environment. Students will work with their teacher, peers, and me in order to construct the weekly posts about Billy Bear’s adventures. The blog will give students the opportunity to showcase their talents in a safe and meaningful way. Students will be encouraged to use photos, drawings, and illustrations along with their writing in order to convey understanding for the younger non-readers who may visit the blog. Billy Bear’s blog will be open to the public so families, community, and our older students may access the information and offer filtered comments. Blog safety (Richardson, 2010) is an important element in protecting our students and faculty. In order to protect privacy, only first names will be used in the weekly posts, parents and student will be given clear expectations of what to expect on the blog, and the Acceptable Use Policy will be reviewed to deepen their understanding of proper web etiquette.
Once Billy Bear had been to ten of the first and second grade classrooms, he will begin taking on new adventures outside the school. He may attend field trips, overnight stays, or weekend visits. Upon returning Billy Bear’s guardian will provide a detailed posting for discussion and comments.
Reference
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Robert,
ReplyDeleteI also teach first graders and struggled with how to use blogging as an educational tool seeing that many of the students have limited reading and writing abilities as you mentioned. To help with this issue, I thought about using it as a publishing tool and having them partner up with a buddy to check for proper conventions before posting on the blog. However, I decided that probably wasn't the best use of the blog since I didn't want to limit the critical thinking that a blog has the potential to create by simply making using it as a publishing tool.
I love your idea of using Billy Bear, something your students are already familiar with to introduce your students to the concept of blogging. Unfortunately, my school does not have anything similar in place but nonetheless I am considering using field day, a common event that they all share as a starting point for blogging. After a couple of times blogging about fun and or silly things then I will transition over to blogging about things content related.
~Carissa Martin
This is such a fun idea! I love how you chose to use something the kids are already familiar with and simply add the element of technology, which takes this activity to a whole new level. Having this blog open to students, staff, and parents allows everyone to see what adventures Billy Bear has already gone on, so students can work to create new experiences to blog about.
ReplyDeleteOne possible challenge you may face is young students, especially first graders, having difficultly accessing the blog and typing out their responses. I know you mentioned having other teachers and you yourself to help out, but what if older students in fourth/fifth grade acted as a mentor to assist these younger students? They could help them be more descriptive about what they did with Billy Bear and where he went, assist with the typing, and proofread the post before submitting it. I think the older students would really look forward to this, and they would have an opportunity to experience the world of blogging as well.
Overall, great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
-Nicole Albamont
I teach 8th grade Reading/Language Arts and will be transferring to high school in two weeks. Teaching students this young technology would be scary to me. However, I like the idea of teaching students how to correctly use technology at a young age. This also allows students a means of communicating with other students and share their thoughts and knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea! Billy Bear reminds me of Paul, a bear we had in fourth grade that went everywhere the students went. We learned to write based off of reports and the events of Paul. This idea is great for reinforcement. One question I have is will you use peer helpers? Somewhat like book buddies they would help the lower level students create blog postings. One challenge may be working with students that are level one students. They will probably enjoy the blogs, but they may not be able to create good writing. Using peer helpers may help them gain confidence and the blog can definitely help them express their ideas and develop skills.
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