Noticings: A 6th Grade Exploration of Blogs
Last week, the sixth graders were busy exploring a number of blogs. On Thursday, we focused their attention on one topic: water. They explored six to seven blogs, and we asked them to consider a number of questions. In light of the “first post” that is looming on the horizon, their responses to the last question we asked were encouraging. It’s obvious that this group of sixth graders is serious about blogging.
What makes a blog appealing? Unappealing? Why?
“The posts [on this blog] were appealing because they seem organized. They are colorful and full of pictures which make it more interesting. I do think that it’s more convenient to have links so a reader can learn more information.”-Christopher
“I found that the writer of the post didn’t go into great depth on the posts. I disliked this because I feel that this didn’t help newcomers like me grasp the feel of the post quickly. I did like how each post had real-life situations that brought more life to the blog.” – Linzy
“I liked the way the writer expressed herself by using a story instead of just stating the facts.”-Darcy
“I love the pictures! I think that writers not only include pictures, but they include good ones (they make me want to look at them). Also, I love how a few of the posts (but not all of them) begin with quotes.”-Madeline
“This blog appeals to me because I can tell that the blogger understands and cares a lot about the topics they write about. They put a lot of time and effort into this blog.”-Simons
“I didn’t like the fact that the posts were so short. In Mr. K’s blog and Mrs. Tait’s blog the posts were much longer.”-Eric
“I noticed that the posts aren’t all happy all of the time. Posts can open up your eyes to problems and most importantly, how you can help.”-Lizzie
“I find it unappealing that the author hasn’t been keeping up with the blog.”-Brian
“I like the way the writer writes. I like the wording.”-Caroline
“I find the posts appealing because they make you think. I don’t like that some authors start off with a quote because I am the kind of person who likes to get more information first and then reflect on it a little more.”-Wellie
I already see powerful, reflective reading and writing going on.
Way to Go, Trinity School Sixth Graders!!
September 24th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
What insights! I can’t wait to begin reading some of the student blogs. The notion of using links to provoke further reading, incorporating pictures/audio/video to tell a story, and relating factual information to “stories” definitely make a post more interesting.
Remember that writing is just one facet of blogging- it is also reading, searching, and reflecting as well. I can tell that all of you are beginning to realize this in your wonderful connections.
Well done, students! Fantastic job, MH, MB, and SS!
September 24th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
I love this post!! I especially love how ms. Howard used our quotes. These quotes are a lot of the things that i thought about. This really gives me something to look at. Thanks for posting this Ms. Howard!
September 25th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Hey nice idea teachers ! When I write a post in my blog I think I will go back and look at this to see what people like about a blog. If I am ever writing a blog that I want be to read and like I can look at this handy-dandy post. Nice Work Teachers!
~Simons F