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Some Classroom Blog Tips: Getting Started

If you're reading this, you're probably already a fabulous techie teacher who is also a nighttime blogger, so class blogs are a cinch for you.  But if you don't have one yet, here are some reasons why you need to create one immediately!

I don't know about you, but I'm huge on parent communication.  The last few years, I'm fortunate enough to have parents who have access to technology.  However, I've taught at 2 Title I schools and still created a class blog so at least students could access it at school.  Class blogs are amazing for so many reasons.  They keep parents informed, parents have the opportunity to look at photos, no more “I lost my homework” excuses, students have access to websites for extra practice at home, saves paper,  and basically anything else you want!

Here's how you can get started:

I've created a new class website every year {must be the over achiever in me}.  Rather than use the same one over and over, I like to make each one unique.  Plus, it's easier for the privacy of your students.

I created a cute title and got my FREE background from Shabby Blogs. I created “pages” that I thought would be important for my parents and students.  This part can take some time, depending how pretty you want your blog.  You can add all sorts of blog buttons and other cute things!
  • An “About Me” page makes you human and gives parents a little glimpse into your life
  • The “Student Websites” page is the most popular.  I update it with different websites that reinforce the skills being taught in class.  Take a screen shot of the website, upload it to your blog, then link the website or game to the photo.  Great for primary students because it's visual!

  • I have to supply my own paper this year and I'm trying to do everything I can to cut back. So…my monthly newsletter is now online.  I take a screen shot of it.  Then I upload it to Google docs and make it public.  I link the document to the photo and parents have a quick, downloadable version {By the way, you can do this with any document: homework assignments, writing paper, etc.}!
After I click on it from my blog, it takes me to a PDF.
  • I'm also a big fan of the “homework” section because now {fingers crossed} I won't get the typical “I lost my homework assignment” on Thursday when they know homework is due on Friday.  I upload various homework assignments that we use throughout the year.  I give a weekly “Tic-Tac-Toe homework packet and students choose the activities they want to work on. In this section of the blog, parents can download the different assignments.  It's great because homework stays consistent, but the words change weekly.  So I don't have to update this section often.
For this one, I just inserted clickable links instead of photos {I must have been tired}. Like I mentioned earlier, just upload your document to Google docs.  I also included photos of some of the assignments so parents would know my expectations.

So you're probably thinking, now that I've created a blog, what next?
This is the fun part, you can use your blog however you'd like.  For me, I use it to relay information and show photos of the learning taking place.
Parents have told me they love the blog because it keeps them informed and they love seeing what their child is learning.  Most of my working parents don't get a chance to be in the classroom, so the photos give them a chance to experience a piece of their child's day.
I try to update it on Monday to share the CCSS we will be focusing on for the week.
I like to share photos of anchor charts{so parents can reinforce this at home}.
Learning with technology
Using our new Elmo when creating a circle map
Share student work samples
Share student art
Share student parties.  Parents spend so much time getting their child ready for Halloween or spent money on donations, show them how it's being put to use.  Parents love it!
  • Finally, make sure you get parent permission to post photos. And, make your blog is private to protect the privacy of your kiddos, you never know who's out there!

I'd love to hear your success stories in the comment section.  Happy classroom blogging!

My name is Kristen and I’ve enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, a 1/2 combo, and second grade.  I’ve taught at both a low and high-performing Title I schools as well as a few fancy schools in California and O’ahu, Hawaii. I’ve earned my Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in reading in addition to my Reading Specialist Certificate.  When I am not teaching my scholars or other educators at Professional Development classes, I  enjoy creating materials to share with my colleagues, organizing family literacy events, and giving workshops on ways to make Literacy Workshop effective and engaging.  

3 Responses

  1. Hello. I do love your pink bus background on your blog!
    I started a blog last April because I was seeing all these amazing blogs and thought that I would like my voice to be heard. Plus, I wanted it as a way to keeps parents informed.
    I encourage the other teachers in my building to start blogs, but they always claim that their lives are "too boring." I think you can make anything exciting. More importantly, you're a role model for your students. Most of mine moan and groan every time they have to write – that's why I started my dog blog.
    I think it's great that you're encouraging teachers to start a blog – great post for the New Year. Also, I entered the giveaway already.
    Happy New Year!

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