Post #2 -Ed Tech--BLOGGING

I have been learning about many of the possible ways that blogging can be useful in a classroom. Three specific ways I have found most interesting so far are:  Teacher Blogs, Classroom Blogs and Student Blogs.  I plan on teaching at the elementary level so the grade level being taught would determine how in depth one could get in application of the blog.  Here are some ideas in which I could see that blogging could be beneficial in my classroom: 

Teacher Blogging would be a great tool for giving assignments to students, it could also be a way to communicate with some parents and a way to keep them current with schedules, homework, due dates and upcoming events. Communicating and collaborating with other teachers is a possibility as well.  In a few of the elementary blogs that I have observed, I have noticed that some teachers share specific details (complete with pictures!) about projects, crafts and ideas that have worked and not worked for them. I can see that being very helpful for me as a new teacher.

Classroom Blogging is a wonderful way to display students work, recap about the weeks events, activities and experiences in which students can participate in doing each week (age appropriate of course!) and communicating and collaborating with other teachers,

Student Blogging can involve a classroom effort in sharing experiences with projects, readings, self-reflections, certain subject matter etc.  Blogging in this manner is beneficial because it can motivate quieter students to participate, it gives each student an opportunity to read, write and share.  Students can take the time that they need read, re-read, reflect, react and respond to ideas in a way that they feel most comfortable.

Blogging seems to me like an easy, effective and efficient tool for students, teachers and even parents in which learning and information can extend beyond the school doors.

~A Little About Me~

I am the mother of three wonderful children.  They they are one of the reasons that I am pursuing a teaching career.  I have always loved being around children.  There is something comforting about holding my newborn baby nephew, seeing my four year old sons face light up when he writes a B (the first letter of his name) correctly on his paper, watching my four year old daughter grow in confidence as she performs a helpful task I have asked her to do and being able to develop trust and a closer bond to my eight year old son as we have our special "talk nights" that he asks to have with me. As long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher.  Now, through a series of events in my life within the past few years, I am able to begin to to fulfill that dream.  I have always been able to relate well with younger children.  I am having a tendency to lean toward teaching K-3 and maybe 4,5 but am also excited to observe some 4-6 grade classrooms and see if that spurs on any interest as well.

 My Little Inspirations!

I have an amazing, supportive family and we spend a lot of time together.  I have a married younger brother with two small boys ages 7 and 4 and a younger married sister with an almost three year old little girl and a new baby boy.  We get together every holiday with all our relatives that mostly all live close to Salem.  One cool thing that our entire extended family does is have an annual Family Camp.  We go to different places every year usually campgrounds and spend time hanging out, boating and doing family talent shows (very comical!). I spend many Saturdays at either my son or my nephews soccer, basketball or baseball games throughout the year.  My family goes deer hunting every October and I got my tag last year and shot my first deer.  Pretty exciting for my dad and I.  My oldest son had mixed feelings because he loves to go hunting but is also an "animal expert" (his own words) so he really loves animals.  I have to sneak around to kill a spider in my house!  I'm NOT a spider lover by any means actually, I'm not even a spider "liker"!  Well, I'd better get my three crazies headed to bed so until next time...