We are "Bloggers" now...

I would like to inform you of some exciting things that have been happening in our classroom this week. You may have heard from your son/daughter that they have set up their own Blog, and are now Bloggers. This is true, and you may be wondering "what the heck is a Blog? " and "my son/daughter is a Blogger?? ". A blog is basically a type of website, the features that make blogs different from other websites are:

* content is published in a chronological fashion

* content is updated regularly

* readers have the possibility to leave comments

An educational blog such as the one your son /daughter has created will have some very unique features. Like a regular web log (blog) students will be able to write posts, post photos, drawings, stories, pictures, slide shows, and videos. They can even leave comments on other students blogs. The main difference between a regular blog and an educational blog is the role of the Administrator. The Administrator is the person who oversees everything that is posted on the blogs. Any article, picture, story, and comment must have the approval of the administrator before it will be published. As administrator, I receive information on all activity on all of our classroom blogs.
Safety is always a concern when you have students working on the internet. Having their own blog allows me as a teacher, to give them a real life experience in a safe, controlled , environment, yet still allowing them to create, collaborate, and celebrate their learning and life experiences with others. We now have another platform in which we can discuss internet safety rules, talk about how to make a good comment, and collaborate with others in a learning community.
I'm encouraging students to work on their blogs at home if possible. I hope you will share in their excitement and help out if the need arises. Students love to read comments left by parents and classmates. Please try to read and leave comments whenever possible.
This is a new learning journey that we all will be taking together, I hope you are excited as we are.
I will keep all updated as we continue our exciting learning adventure.

Please feel free to drop me an e-mail, phone call, if you have any questions, comments , or concerns.
Your child's blog can be accessed by a direct link off our Classroom Blog...
The link is called Student Blogs

Thanks for you cooperation and happy Blogging !!
Mr. Mc

January Fun "Skating and Sliding"...

Since our arrival back to school , we have been extemely busy. We have have recieved a new literacy program "Nelson Literacy" , and so far both the students and teacher are loving it. Yes we will still be working on our "Animated Literacy," but only as a supplement to the new program. Please spend the time to go over all the exciting activities in your child's Friday folder. We have also been blessed with warm temperatures, ideal for skating and sliding... don't forget to check out the " Mr. McWiki" link off the cool sites for links to some really good sites...