BLOGGING
This semester you are going to be publishing your writing on a weekly basic by keeping an online journal, or “web log,” or “blog.”
You will be creating one entry for each weekly reading assignment. Each blog entry should be 250-500 words. You will choose one question to answer each week. This may mean writing creatively, writing persuasively, making personal reflections, practicing for the SAT essay, and/or other forms of expression.
Because this is an online medium, you will also incorporate quotes, pictures, links to different websites, imbed video clips, links to streaming audio.
Perhaps you are struck by the actions of a particular character; perhaps you’re struck by a particular quote – these will form the basis of your responses. For example, if something that happens in a chapter reminds you of something else – a place you’ve been, something else you’ve read, a song you like, a situation you’ve faced, etc. – instead of just writing about it, the blog format allows you to create an interactive response. Think of it as an online scrapbook or commonplace book where you not only write, but also make visual, audio, and creative connections.
Guidelines:
- Think critically and dig deep. Keep your entries professional, thoughtful and serious. There are many things happening on the surface in the novel we read, yet there’s the deeper meaning to the characters and events. Ultimately I want for each of you to try and make some connection to that deeper meaning. You will be graded on your ability to dig deep and critically think.
- Use the writing skills learned in class. Please be sure to be mindful of your writing skills, as you must incorporate the writing skills learned in class into your blog writing. Pay close attention to the tasks asked of you each week.
- Keep it appropriate. Part of what you do in an English class is to learn to better articulate your thoughts. The use of profanity is inarticulate – it’s why we use it when we’re frustrated, we can’t find the right words. Don’t post anything profane or offensive. If you have any questions as to appropriateness, ask me. Any posted work that is offensive or inappropriate will result in a 0% and a written letter will go to administration and your parents.
- Edit your work. Be sure to revise and edit before posting your blog. Have your blogs ready each Thursday and you will post your blog in the computer lab each Friday. Be sure to have your electronic copy ready on your pen drive, google docs, and/or email to post each Friday.
- Comment on the work of others. You must respond/comment on five of your classmate’s blog entries each Friday. Read with a critical eye and give constructive feedback to help each author understand her strengths and how he/she might improve.
- Late work will not be accepted. If Internet is not working, your printer died or if your dog ate your homework, be a problem solver. Late blog entries will not be accepted.
How To Write A Great Blog Comment
We are all very enthusiastic to read your input here on the Blog. But the true conversation happens when we contribute to the Blog entry that our classmates have posted. So.... how could we do this? Try the following!
Tip #1 -- Make a Point & Write a meaningful comment.
"Yeah" or "Right on" may make the author feel good, but of more interest to conversation participants is "Why do you think it is right on?" You'll make a more lasting impression and a more meaningful contribution to the conversation if you say a bit more. Why is it wonderful? Why did you love it? It's even more important to make a point when you disagree. It's a waste of time to just write "You're wrong," or a longer ranting equivalent. Make sure you include the reason you disagree. It's easier than you think to avoid making a point.
Tip #2 -- show your classmate that "you hear them" Sometimes authors feel like they are only posting to themselves. You can actually influence your classmates with a meaningful comment! As writers, we change our opinions all of the time. You can also reinforce opinions you agree with real world examples, or personal experiences.
Tip #3 -- Learn from your classmates! We become better writers by reading the work of others, especially our peers. Inspire or be inspired!
Tip #4 -- Try sharing some about yourself when you comment. When you open up and share others will follow.
Tip #5 -- Remember the power of words. Remember the power of commenting and how they affect both the person who is the reader and the person who is writing. Words can hurt and words can help. Criticize kindly. Start by complimenting and come up with solutions.
Tip #6 -- Make One Point per Comment/Keep it Short... but not too short! Make one point, but since it's possible to go on and on about one point, I thought I'd also remind you to keep your comments short. Again, it's a comment, not your own Blog post.
Tip #7 – Proofread. I know it's hard; those boxes in which you write comments can be tiny, and they usually don't include a spellchecker. For proofreading tips, Check out the video at the bottom of this Blog!
Blog comments examples:
Noa
I think this week's blog entry was one of your best! You clearly answered the question and I loved your title. It is very original and catchy. I also like that you refer back to yourself a lot and add some extra details about your own experiences such asWhen I play a tennis match I obviously want to win, but if i lose and I know that I played a fantastic match, it doesn’t matter.I think this is really good. It have a personal experience of a parent who was very competitive, and who wanted her child to win so badly, that she even started swearing at my dad while I played a match against her child. I think that this is going to far. Obviously you want your child to win, but you don't need to hurt others to achieve this. The best player will win. It's a pity we could not see your picture, but it is not your fault! Anyway, I think you did a fantastic job!
One more thing. For one of a other reason the quotation marks that are supposed to be in aroundWhen I play a tennis match I obviously want to win, but if i lose and I know that I played a fantastic match, it doesn’t matter.didn't show. Sorry!
Example Blog Entries
Instructions. What do you think of these blog entries? Evaluate the two following entries and make a C (compliment) and T.P. (teacher’s point) for each entry. You may use the attached rubric to help you make comments.
Blog Entry #1:
Some might say that true friends always stick up for each other, but I disagree.
In fact, a true friend wants to help you and make you a better person and this doesn’t mean that he must always stick up for you. Sometimes he has to say the truth also if it hurts and is against you. However, I’m not saying that a friend cannot help you or defend you if you have problems, but I’m only saying that sometimes you need to learn the lesson and if your friend is a true friend he must tell you the truth in every situation.
A friend who always stick up for you is not a real friend. If you make an error and it is very grave, he must tell you what are his thoughts instead of defend you and don’t say anything.
I know that most of the people stick up for their friends and maybe I also do it sometimes, but we have to be honest with them if we really love them. If not, nobody will be a petter person, neither you, nor your friend! A true friend do not always stick up for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZHmsVRshwU
QUALITY, VOICE, INTERESTING / 0 1 2 3 4 5CLARITY, FOCUS, ORGANIZATION / 0 1 2 3 4 5
PICTURE/VIDEO/PODCAST/DESIGN / 0 1 2 3 4 5
EDITING / 0 1 2 3 4 5
C:
T.P:
Blog Entry #2
Friendship is quite complicated. When do you lend something and when do you not? When do you help each other and when do you not? The general rule is that friends should always be there for each other. Nevertheless, I think that there are some exceptions to that rule. I do believe that you should help a friend. However, when a friend has done something horrible to you or to another person, would you still help them, and would you still be their friend?
In certain situations, you have to choose between helping your friend and doing the right thing. For example, if your friend has committed a very serious crime, such as murder or theft I believe you don’t need to stick up for them and hide their wrongdoings. You should always do what feels right to you as a person, and do you really want a friend who is capable of such things?
On the contrary, if your friend has not done anything wrong, and they have unjustly been accused of something, I believe you should always stick up for them. Friends stick up for each other, especially in times of trouble. In the book, Paul did not stick up for Joey when Victor was teasing him after football practice. Paul should have stuck up for him, and shouldn’t have just told him to let it go. If someone is teasing your friend, you should tell them to stop. Also, if it was not your friend’s intention to do wrong, you are also expected to help them to the best of your abilities. Off course, when your friend needs help or needs to be comforted, being there for them is expected if you are truly a good friend.
Often in friendship, you will find some rough mountains to scale or rocky paths to follow. In other words, you or your friend might get into a bad situation. But when do you help them and when do you not? You should always do what you think is right. If your friend has intentionally done something bad, you are not obligated to stick up for them. On the other hand, if it was not your friends fault or intention, as a friend you must do everything you can to help them, because that’s what friends are for.
QUALITY, VOICE, INTERESTING / 0 1 2 3 4 5CLARITY, FOCUS, ORGANIZATION / 0 1 2 3 4 5
PICTURE/VIDEO/PODCAST/DESIGN / 0 1 2 3 4 5
EDITING / 0 1 2 3 4 5
C:
T.P:
Blog Checklist
Name of blog author: ______Name of editor: ______
Did the author...
QUALITY:
__Answer the question?
__Mention the book?
__Say appropriate things and take the Blog seriously?
__Think deeply and show reflection?
__Use descriptive language?
__Write something interesting to read?
CLARITY, FOCUS, ORGANIZATION:
__Was the Blog on topic?
__Were his/her thoughts clear and organized?
__ Was there a topic sentence and concluding sentence and did the details/body support them?
REQUIREMENTS:
__Did he/she attach a picture, video link, pod cast, etc.
__Was the video/picture/pod cast related to the Blog entry?
__Was the entry more than 150 words?
__Did he/she put his/her name, question number, and a catchy title?
EDITING: HOW WAS HIS/HER
__Spelling
__Punctuation
__Word choice
__Did he/she omit “I” or “you” throughout the entry when necessary?
How do you rate your peer’s blog?*
QUALITY, VOICE, INTERESTING / 0 1 2 3 4 5CLARITY, FOCUS, ORGANIZATION / 0 1 2 3 4 5
PICTURE/VIDEO/PODCAST/DESIGN / 0 1 2 3 4 5
EDITING / 0 1 2 3 4 5
T. P:
C: