6.+Managing+Your+Blog

Now that you have created your blog, how can you manage it effectively?
Many students spend great amounts of time on the internet, emailing friends or chatting on MySpace. They often use informal language when doing so and write very brief, conversational messages. They may not have experience discussing anything of substance in writing outside of school. You may want to begin by introducing students to the concept of blogging (this wiki is a good starting point). Have students explore the blogs found here, and discuss your expectations for thier posts on your classroom blog. Will you be expecting proper spelling, grammar and punctuation? What do you expect in regards to length and content of their posts? How will students be held accountable for posting to the blog?

Using Rubrics
Using a rubric allows your students to know what you expect of them before they begin working. When creating a rubric for blog posts consider the following. Blog comments and posts should:
 * be concise (3 -4 paragraphs) with a specific focus.
 * share thoughts, ideas, or opinions.
 * contain an opening that grabs the reader's attention while introducing the point of the comment.
 * contain specific details support information in the comment
 * have a "So What?", theme, lesson, or specific point that attracts the readers' attention.
 * demonstrates detailed understanding of the blog topic.
 * have a positive tone to engage the reader.
 * have corrct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Update Regularly
Managing a blog is time consuming, but worth the investment! Be sure you update your blog regularly! Respond to students' posts in a timely manner. Post comments and responses using the same expectations that you give your students. Have fun!​