Students blogging for an authentic audience

Getting connected: online & with community members

student-led short story unitWhat if there was a way to spend less time grading your students’ writing, while also providing a valuable writing experience for them?

What if there was a way to bring interested, wise community members into your classroom on a regular basis?  I think I discovered a way: student blogs with readers from the local community.

Allow me to back up.

This year, I had planned to teach The Great Gatsby to a small group of 9th and 10th graders.

However, given the political climate we’re living in, I shifted.

Instead, I chose to teach the new young adult novel by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give, which provides a rich platform to discuss issues around race and injustice. The protagonist is an African-American teenager who experiences her (black) male (unarmed) friend killed by a white cop, so the novel’s themes include racism, identity/code-switching, female friendship, and sustaining community, among others.

Moving beyond the “Page on a Passage”

As I planned the unit, I decided I wanted something other than the usual brief reading response assignment that I call, “Page on a Passage.” I wanted a writing task that would be authentic, that would still be rooted in textual response, and that would allow for rich discussions. I decided to ask students to create individual blogs that would be read by community members. It turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for students to practice tech skills, writing, and best of all, communicate with a more authentic audience.

Here are the steps I took to get this project underway:

  1. Contact adults who like to read and who might enjoy reading student writing.
  2. Send a mass email to all of these adults (bcc works best).  Give them a sense of the time commitment, the novel’s content, and general expectations as a reader.  I call their role: “an engaged consumer.”
  3. As you get responses from community members, make a chart to make a list of readers, then assign a student to each adult.
  4. Alert your students and give them clear guidelines for blogs.
  5. Help students create their blogs (I used Blogger).
  6. Then write an introductory email to all readers once you have them on board; share the chart with student blog links.
  7. Write prompts for the students’ blog entries.
  8. Once you’ve assigned a blog post, send email reminders to the community readers.
  9. Thank the community readers (repeatedly).

In the four-week unit, I assigned four blog posts.

Each one asked students to use the recently assigned chapters to comment on a theme or a concept we’d learned (like double consciousness) and often to take it further and connect it to their own lives.

Here’s one blog post prompt:

“One recurring theme in The Hate U Give is the power of the voice.

In this blog post, you will be asked to find a passage from the reading that you completed for Friday (2/2) or Monday (2/5) that exemplifies this theme. Be sure to quote a section from the book (remember to include the page number) and clearly explain what this has to do with the power of voice.

  • What is the message that we are being told about the voice?
  • Why is it important?
  • Do you agree?

Next, connect this theme with your life.

  • What is one time that you have spoken up against something that you felt was wrong, or for something that you believed in?
  • Have you ever stayed silent when you wish you could have spoken up?”

In general, I was very pleased with this project, and I would definitely do it again.

At first, I had some concerns that the community readers weren’t familiar with The Hate U Give, but this proved to not matter so much. In some cases, the students’ responses even inspired the adults to read the book.

For instance, this communication between one student blogger and his adult reader was honest and fruitful.

I was also concerned that the adult readers wouldn’t have too much to say, especially if a student didn’t give them too much to go on. But this fear proved to be inconsequential as well, as I was thrilled that the readers gave all kinds of responses — from simple encouragement to relevant quotes from their own reading.

I loved that my students were hearing from new people, with their own fresh perspectives and questions:

Even with the authentic audience, I decided to assess the students’ blog posts, just to keep them accountable.

I used a simple 3-column rubric to quickly assess substance of their reflection, connective thinking, and timeliness of their blog posts.

Finally, this blogging led to an efficient, comfortable process for sharing each other’s responses to the novel.  Especially with a group of introverted students who tended to get quiet in class discussions, it was helpful to use some class time to read and comment on each other’s blogs.

So, sometimes (just sometimes) it helps to figure out how you can step out of the role of reader, and find others who have a fresh perspective.

If I did this again, I would expand the blog sharing to another classroom — ideally African Americans students — in order to deepen the perspective building and empathy that this novel so powerfully encourages.

At the end of the unit, students created collages or other visuals that illustrated an important theme or passage from the novel, and I asked them to include those as a final blog post.

Here are a couple of those visuals:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

143 Replies to “Students blogging for an authentic audience”

  1. freelancer al amin is Digital Marketing and SEO. I have tremendous involvement with Google Top Ranking, Link Building, Facebook Marketing, Lead Generation, and so on.
    From one heading it foundation, I have gotten done with a long tasks.
    Ensure you realize practically everything cautiously and impeccably.
    My organization can be advanced overall or in a designated area.
    I can arrive at a huge number of individuals.
    This is a major liability regarding me, so I’m prepared for it. I will focus completely on the undertaking.freelancer al amin

  2. “Sportsbook& Taruhan Langsung

    Miliki ribuan kesempatan berolahraga tiap hari di TOKYO188. Mungkin buat berolahraga sangat terkenal semacam sepak bola, bola basket, tenis, hoki ada dengan Taruhan Langsung tiap hari.

    Kasino online
    TOKYO188 sediakan game kasino online terbaik semacam Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulete, Sic Bo, Poker, serta game terkenal yang lain di kasino online.

    Live Kasino
    Main di live casino TOKYO188 serta Kamu hendak merasakan sensasi kasino yang sesungguhnya. Seleksi bermacam game kasino yang Kamu mau.”

  3. This is an excellent post! I’d have being looking for details about this topic, and you’ve given me some really helpful insights. Thanks for the contribution you made!

  4. Thank you for publishing what turned out to be a really thoughtful article. I had a great time reading and hope to hear from you soon. Cheers!

  5. I appreciate you posting this piece, which turned out to be really intelligent. I had a great time reading and am looking forward to hearing from you.

  6. I really like most of the articles on this website. I hope that you will continue to receive the latest information and knowledge from your website. And, I think we can share information regarding the latest info

  7. Students blogging for an authentic audience is very important for me to know new things and really makes me interested. thanks for sharing this useful stuff. waiting for the next share. if you want to visit my site at PATRIOT88

  8. Thank you for sharing such a thought-provoking article. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and appreciate the effort put into crafting the content. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

  9. Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it! I also have my own blogs

  10. Hey there,

    I absolutely love the idea of “Students Blogging for an Authentic Audience!” It’s fantastic to see educators encouraging their students to share their thoughts and creativity with the world.

    Providing students with a real audience for their writing can be a game-changer. Not only does it boost their confidence and motivation, but it also helps them develop essential communication and critical thinking skills.

    As a teacher myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact of student blogging. It creates a sense of ownership and pride in their work, knowing that their ideas and opinions matter to others beyond the classroom.

    Moreover, blogging allows students to explore diverse topics and engage in meaningful discussions with readers from different backgrounds. It nurtures their ability to express themselves clearly and persuasively.

    I’ll definitely share this concept with my fellow educators to inspire them to implement student blogging in their classrooms. Kudos to you for promoting such an enriching and authentic learning experience!

    Looking forward to reading more inspiring articles on your blog!

    Best regards,
    Rahul

  11. Many thanks for sharing such valuable content. I had been searching for this information, and it’s incredibly important for me. Again Thank you so much!”

  12. Greetings, my name is Maya. I am a software developer with more than 5 years experience in this industry. From the start, I’ve been fascinated by the power of software to change the way we live and work, and that’s what prompted me to choose this career path.

    Over the course of my career, I have worked on various projects involving web and mobile application development. I have expertise in various programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Java. I also have experience in working with frameworks such as React and Flask at agen link slot gacor terpercaya, Bangkok.

    One aspect that I really enjoy about my job is the ability to solve problems. I enjoy taking on technical challenges and designing efficient and effective solutions. I believe that software development is not just about writing code, it’s also about understanding user needs and designing a good experience.

    I also appreciate solid teamwork in software development. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned a lot from collaborating with fellow developers, designers, and other cross-disciplinary professionals. I believe that the best ideas emerge when we work together as a team.

    Outside of work, I like to attend technology conferences and seminars to stay connected with the latest developments in the industry. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge via my personal blog and contributing to open source projects.

    I am very enthusiastic to meet many new colleagues in this community. If you want to talk about software development, the latest technology, or just share your experience, feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention

  13. I am very enthusiastic to meet many new colleagues in this community. If you want to talk about software development, the latest technology, or just share your experience, feel free to contact me. Thank you for your attention

  14. Flexafen is a cutting-edge treatment for inflammatory, dystrophic, degenerative, and autoimmune illnesses of the joints that are accompanied by discomfort and restricted bone joint mobility.

  15. As one of the community readers involved in this project, I can attest to how enriching and eye-opening it was. Engaging with the students’ perspectives on such relevant and important themes was a privilege. I found their insights to be both thoughtful and thought-provoking. It’s heartening to witness the power of literature to stimulate such meaningful conversations. I would gladly participate in a similar initiative in the future.

  16. I absolutely love this idea! It’s a win-win situation for both students and community members. The connection between the classroom and the wider community is invaluable. Kudos for taking the initiative to make this happen. The prompts you provided are excellent and encourage deep thinking. It’s wonderful to see educators like you going the extra mile to create a truly enriching learning experience.

  17. Embarking on a Bali tour with EZGo Travel is nothing short of embarking on a journey of a lifetime. Bali, often referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” is a place of enchanting beauty, vibrant culture, and a sense of tranquility that envelops you from the moment you arrive. EZGo Travel, with its wealth of expertise and passion for creating remarkable experiences, takes this already captivating destination and elevates it to new heights.

    One of the standout features of an EZGo Travel Bali tour is the meticulous planning and attention to detail. From the moment you set foot on this tropical paradise, every aspect of your journey is flawlessly coordinated. Whether you’re exploring the intricately designed temples steeped in history, venturing into the heart of lush rice terraces, or simply unwinding on the sun-kissed beaches, EZGo Travel ensures you do so with ease and grace.

    Their team of knowledgeable guides adds an extra layer of richness to your Bali experience. They provide insights into the local culture, traditions, and hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. It’s not just a tour; it’s a cultural immersion that allows you to connect with the soul of Bali.

    And then there’s the accommodation. EZGo Travel understands that your stay is a crucial part of your journey. They’ve curated a selection of accommodations that range from luxurious beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels nestled in the heart of Bali’s picturesque landscapes.

    But what truly sets EZGo Travel apart is their commitment to sustainability and responsible travel. They are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bali for generations to come. So, when you embark on a Bali tour with EZGo Travel, you’re not just enjoying a vacation; you’re contributing to the preservation of this exquisite destination.

    In conclusion, a Bali tour with EZGo Travel is an experience that transcends the ordinary. It’s a harmonious blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all meticulously crafted to create memories that will linger in your heart long after you’ve left this magical island. If you seek a Bali tour that’s nothing short of extraordinary, EZGo Travel is your gateway to paradise.

  18. I found Hubwit as a transparent s ite, a social hub which is a conglomerate of Buyers and Sellers who are ready to offer online digital consultancy at decent cost.

  19. Online gaming transcends geographical boundaries, allowing individuals from around the world to connect and form communities. These virtual spaces become a home for players, providing a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Whether engaging in cooperative gameplay or competitive matches, the online gaming community fosters a unique environment for social interaction

  20. TropiSlim your key to a leaner, more energetic, and happier you. Our formula contains mood-boosting ingredients that promote a positive outlook on life, designed to promote healthy weight loss, improve mood, and support restorative sleep.

  21. GlucoBerry™ is a blood sugar support supplement that enables the kidneys to eliminate excess sugar from our bodies by cleaning the grey mucosal substance that blocks the route.
    The Formula is Easy to Take Each Day, and it Only Uses. Natural Ingredients to Get the Desired Effect

  22. Your comment is awaiting moderation.
    An application to advertise your products so they sell well on #jualaku

    Advertise your products for FREE forever!

    Buying and selling made easier

    Items sell quickly because they’re advertised on Jualaku

    EASY TO USE ✨
    ● All product categories available
    ● Discover the best and most unique products around you
    ● Comfortable and simple interface

    SAFER TRANSACTIONS ✨
    ● Sellers are real people around you
    ● Shop with peace of mind as you can arrange to meet and transact directly without intermediaries

  23. Kopikotogel provides hundreds of game choices that you can play online. You can also download the online slot gambling application on our website page. Get all the convenience and comfort of playing with us. With all the transaction conveniences that we provide, such as Dana bank deposits, Ovo, Gopay etc. we can process them without any hassle.

  24. Introducing Illuderma, the ultimate solution to fight against those pesky dark spots! This incredible skin serum is a game-changer, packed with 16 natural constituents that work wonders for your skin.

  25. Great initiative! Shifting from teaching “The Great Gatsby” to “The Hate U Give” for its relevance to current issues, you engaged students in blogging for a local audience. Organizing community readers and using prompts for blog entries led to authentic discussions. Your concerns about reader familiarity were overcome, and the diverse responses from adults enriched the experience. Assessing with a simple rubric kept students accountable. The idea of expanding blog sharing to another classroom, particularly with African American students, is a brilliant way to deepen perspectives. Overall, this project successfully fostered meaningful connections and enhanced student engagement. Well done!

  26. That is the excellent mindset, nonetheless is just not help to make every sence whatsoever preaching about that mather. Virtually any method many thanks in addition to i had endeavor to promote your own article in to delicius nevertheless it is apparently a dilemma using your information sites can you please recheck the idea. thanks once more.

  27. eFORMULA A Highly Effective And Very Unique Method of Selling Simple, But Highly Profitable Products Online, Using 100% Free Traffic, Minimal Inventory, (And With No Technical “Know-How” Required).

  28. Boostaro increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, leading to stronger and more vibrant erections. It provides a powerful boost that can make you feel like you’ve unlocked the secret to firm erections

  29. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, personifies the clinical excellence for which the Apollo Group is known. Our skilled cardiologists and post-operative nursing team are supported by Apollo’s well-equipped Critical Care Units, and Intensive Care Units, which rank us among the top six heart institutes in the world.

  30. eFORMULA A Highly Effective And Very Unique Method of Selling Simple, But Highly Profitable Products Online, Using 100% Free Traffic, Minimal Inventory, (And With No Technical “Know-How” Required).

    eFORMULA is Aidan Booth’s latest online business training program. The core focus is helping people start profitable e-commerce stores from scratch and scale them to generate passive income on autopilot.

  31. It’s fascinating to hear about your decision to shift gears and teach Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give” in response to the current political climate. This novel indeed provides a powerful platform for discussing critical issues surrounding race and injustice, and it’s commendable that you’ve incorporated it into your curriculum.

    Your approach of having students create individual blogs for community members to read is innovative and impactful. Not only does it allow students to engage authentically with the text, but it also provides them with an opportunity to practice valuable tech skills and communicate with a broader audience.

  32. Students engaging in blogging for an authentic audience is a brilliant approach that not only hones their writing skills but also fosters a sense of purpose and connectivity. By sharing their thoughts, experiences, and insights online, these young bloggers not only refine their communication abilities but also contribute valuable perspectives to a real and diverse readership. This experience transcends traditional classroom boundaries, offering students a platform to express themselves authentically while cultivating digital literacy. It’s a powerful way to bridge the gap between academic exercises and real-world impact, empowering students to become effective communicators in our interconnected, digital age.

  33. Anda mencari bandar bola terbaik di Indonesia, Horas188 adalah pilihan yang tidak boleh Anda lewatkan. Horas188 dikenal sebagai platform terpercaya yang menawarkan berbagai layanan taruhan bola dengan odds yang kompetitif dan pilihan pertandingan yang luas. Dengan antarmuka yang user-friendly dan sistem keamanan yang canggih, Horas188 memastikan setiap taruhan Anda aman dan mudah diakses. Nikmati pengalaman taruhan yang memuaskan dengan dukungan pelanggan yang responsif dan bonus menarik. Bergabunglah dengan Horas188 dan buktikan sendiri mengapa kami adalah bandar bola terbaik di Indonesia!

What do you think?

Discover more from Innovative Education in Vermont

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading