This is such a noteworthy post! Mark Ahlness writes about SSR – “sustained silent reading” with a 2.0 twist. He has his kids reading blogs. He has turned them loose on blogs – to read. Mark points out that he will probably not do this every day as there is still value in cuddling up with a book. But he goes on to note that by the time they grow up their reading preferences will be worlds away from where he and his students are now.
This statement by Mark jumped out at me “So much is made of young kids creating content, that I think it’s real easy to overlook the positive aspects of young kids consuming content – created by their peers – and who knows who else?” Mark gives us much to think about! He is doing some remarkable work with his third greaders.
Anne, thanks for the nice mention. It gets a little scary when your gut tells you to try something, but you have no experience to draw on or examples to guide you, telling you this gut thingy will work. Today, day three, I gave the kids the option of blogs or books. Ten chose blogs, and two cuddled up with a book. We shall see… Mark
Anne and Mark,
That is differentiated instruction and universal design for learning. Some children will prefer books, some will prefer blogs but you provided them the opportunity to choose what works best for them! Thanks for sharing!
Have you found that using an educational blog has been beneficial to your students?
Samantha F.
UCA
I think that’s a wonderful idea, especially if later on you want students to create their own blog, this will be a great way for them to view helpful examples.
I think that’s a wonderful idea, especially if later on you want students to create their own blog, this will be a great way for them to view helpful examples.
Right on! Like it!