Let's talk about BLOGS!
I'd like to to talk about a very popular subject recently.... blogging! This is a new, wonderful experience that can help us develop our writing, reading and computer processing skills. All while having a great time! The word BLOG is short for WEBLOG - Get it? :) A blog is a website written in journal style, so it's like a digital journal - a way to communicate facts, ideas, or opinions with others. Blogs usually have many entries arranged in reverse chronological order, with the most recent posts on top. Bloggers (people who blog) will often comment on a blog, making it an interactive experience; this begins an ongoing discussion about that particular blog topic. When we write a blog entry, we must have a clear idea of what we are going to be discussing. We must also be prepared with interesting facts, details, examples, and pictures to make readers interested in our writing and to help readers connect with us. Most of all, blogs can be used to share important events and news with those around you. Your words matters, and your blog can help deliver an important message or promote a positive change in the world. A good rule of thumb is to write about what makes you passionate, curious, and excited. Write about the things you love and the goals you have. Write about things that matter to you. Your ideas are important and people want to hear what you have to say! Let's get started with some tips for writing a great blog-entry that others will read, re-read, and comment on! When we write a blog, we must begin by considering the following questions: - What is the purpose/subject of my writing? (Ex: I love cooking, so I want to share my favorite recipe - How can others benefit from reading my blog entry? What value does it offer? (Ex: Others can learn this recipe and cook with it too) - Have I taken the time to research or learn about this subject? If so, can I cite where I learned my evidence ( a book, a website, a magazine, a video?) (Ex: I uploaded a copy of the recipe and a video from the food network) - Do I have personal, prior experiences with this topic? If so, how can I describe it in a clear and entertaining way? (Ex: I made this recipe last week and I will share my experience and what I learned) -Do I still have questions about this subject or topic? What is my plan for answering my questions and continuing my learning journey? (Ex: I wonder what I can add to the recipe to make the flavor better? I ask readers to post ideas that they have for an updated recipe I can try next week. I interact with the people who comment and thank them for their feedback and suggestions) -Do I have pictures relating to my blog? (Readers will connect with your blog if you can give them visuals or videos and music!) |
The DO'S and DON'TS of Blogging!
DO write about something that matters to you, to others, or to the world. DO believe in yourself. You can make a difference by communicating effectively with others. DO make your writing interesting to read. DO think positively and creatively. DO upload music, videos and pictures. DO include poetry and creative projects. DO use figurative language. DO proofread, spellcheck, and edit your entries. DO cite evidence. DO use correct grammar structure. DO use proper paragraph structure. DO use interesting adjectives and sensory words. DO ask your parents/siblings/friends to read your writing and give you advice. |
DON'T ever reveal your personal information (full name, address, phone #). DON'T ever be disrespectful or hurtful toward others. DON'T forget to check your spelling, grammar and general coherence. DON'T post under-developed entries that you didn't think about or take time to edit/proofread. DON'T ever quit. Keep working at it; as long as you don't give up you will be successful! |