Well, this is a hard subject for me to comment on since I do not yet have a classroom. I will be starting a new job in a couple of weeks which is a before and after school program that contains students all the way from Pre-K to 5th grade. The program mostly has students doing one activity after school that has to do with either math or reading. The students are going to be in the cafeteria for this time period, and the rest of it is spent going outside or doing homework. So, to say the least, using blogs in this setting would be almost impossible to do.
However, if we did have computer access, which I have yet to find out, I do know one way that I could use blogs in my situation. The fourth and fifth graders would be able to blog about homework that they are doing, possible questions they have or since this is a more relaxed enviornment (not an actual classroom) the students might be able to blog about more subjects that they are interested in also with other students around the world.
I think that this would be a great tool for students because they can get help on what they are doing from peers that are the same age as them, they might be able to explain questions or get ideas that teachers would not explain the same way. They could also talk to kids the same age as them about subjects they are really interested in.
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I think you have some good ideas on how you could use blogs in your before/after school program. I think you may have some challenges in front of you but with some hard work I think you will be to overcome them. One challenge you may face is the lack of basic computer skills. Many of the students sitting in our classrooms are very knowledgeable, however there are still a few students lacking in this area. Another challenge you may face is the lack of time. Hopefully because you will be working with some older students they will be able to assist you with helping some of the younger students. Good luck and I hope that you will be able to incorporate a blog into your program.
ReplyDeleteAlthough your situation is unique and will require some intuitive planning, I believe you can incorporate blogging into your situation. You could set up the blog for the parents of the children from the program. By giving a run down of events from the day/week, or a heads up of things to come, you can keep the blog with the parents and older students in the program. If you have computer access in the setting, the older ones may be able to post their views and takes on what is going on that day. Maybe a heated jump rope contest or climbing to the top of the monkey bars. Who knows what kids find interesting!
ReplyDeleteIs this a school that has computers that are available to the students? If so, you could check with the individuals who are in charge and try to reserve certain days for your after school students to use the computers for blogging.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, you have great ideas! I really like the idea of having the parents blog about what is going on during the week. It is so important for parents to be involved in what I am planning with their children so I think that would be a great idea for them! I am not sure about computer access at this point but I will defiantly try to book some time for the students if we do have access. I am sure that even if they do not use it for blogging students can use the computers for homework!
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