Blogging the Bluestems!Amy Holtsclaw, Librarian

Cantrall Elementary and Intermediate Schools

The Bluestems Before Blogging…Students were checking out the books, but I

wasn’t sure if they were really reading them.Not much interaction between students or

between myself and students about the books beyond “How’d you like it?” and “It was good.”

Not a ton of excitement about voting or seeing the results.

Starting the Blog with Blogger

Creating a Google Account

Setting up a Blog

Tools for your blog

Template

Template Design

Layout

Blog Archive

About Me

Settings

Pages

Posts

Comments

Guidelines For StudentsBe SpecificAvoid “This book was awesome!” or “I didn’t

like this book” responses. Add the why or because for the statements.

2-3 sentences are all you needBe niceYou can disagree with others, and I

encourage conversations about the books, but no name-calling or putting others down if they don’t agree with you.

First Year Learning CurveThe main things I learned from the first year of

Blogging were:Archives go in the order you post them, and while

you have some wiggle room in how they display, the multi-month made it hard for students to find the book they wanted to respond to, especially since I posted as I read the books.

I wasn’t too strict on the specific part of their responses – I was happy to just get responses! I figured with time they would get better at it. Overall, I think they did pretty well.

Things I Changed in Year TwoI posted all entries at once so they end up in one

month. Much easier for students to find the book they want to respond to!

I talked up the party at the end more the second year, and sent home information through the school newsletter and teacher newsletters more.

I chased down students who had three posts and needed one more in January so they could get another finished in time to vote.

I sent invitations to the students who qualified to attend the party.

The Stats

2012- 30 students blogged 123 comments on all 20 books. 15 students qualified to vote.

2013 – 42 students blogged 259 comments on all 20 books. 34 students qualified to vote

2014 – As of 10/27, 72 comments on books have been posted.

The Party!!Food and drinks are a must! Last year I used the

individually wrapped bags of chips, etc. and it was hard to have a conversation with all the crinkling bags! I’ll look for easy, but quieter snacks for this year!

Direct the conversation and try and make sure everyone gets a chance to talk – I had them tell me some of their favorite books and why they liked them, also let them say if they were disappointed in any and why. Students could also have a chance to persuade others why their favorite should win.

Had the party in the library, but if we have more than I can fit at the tables, may move it to the cafeteria this year.