Student Blogs

Given the authors' focus on elementary school writers, this book is perhaps most useful for K-12 educators who wish to begin incorporating student blogs into their classrooms. Nevertheless, those in higher education who are aspiring to improve student writing will also be able to glean sound pedagogical reasons for incorporating student blogs into our classrooms, as well as a helpful framework for how to do so. * Reflective Teaching *
All educators aspiring to improve student writing will treasure this resource on student blogging that not only engages readers with a process for blogging and nurturing a community of blogging learners but also explores changes in assessment and important copyright guidelines. Making a compelling case for the enormous potential of blogging for learning, Anne and Ewa blend clear "how tos" and references to research with delightful voices of elementary bloggers who flourished as writers. -- Lani Ritter Hall, co-author, "The Connected Educator: Learning and Leading in the Digital Age"
In this teacher-friendly guide detailing what it means to blog alongside young writers, Davis and McGrail lay a path which is deeply rooted in their own work in classrooms. Here, digital writing is about helping students write across modes, connect with responsive readers, and authentically break down classroom walls and barriers. This is authentic, useful and extremely important work. -- Sara B. Kajder, PhD, department of language and literacy education, The University of Georgia; Co-Editor, "Voices from the Middle" (2016-2020)
On the surface, it's seems easy enough. Type your thoughts and hit the [PUBLISH] button. And it is as easy as that. Anne and Ewa's book will take you through those easy steps, and further. They'll introduce you to a dance with your students that will reveal a depth of thought and learning for everyone, teachers and students. Blogging will enrich learning in your classroom in all sorts of unanticipated ways. I know because I saw it happen when Anne's grade 5 students connected with my high school precalculus classes. I couldn't recommend this work more highly. -- Darren Kuropatwa, director of learning, Hanover School Division, Manitoba, Canada
Twenty years ago, the blogging revolution showed us that anyone can be a published writer. Today, blogging has become a widely adopted practice in K-12 schools. This book harnesses the power of the personal blog, explaining how and why to use blogging in educational settings. -- Robert Rozema, PhD, associate professor, department of English, Grand Valley State University