TOOL URL: http://kidblog.org/home/
Contributor: Tracy Cameron
Grade Level: 2 (f2f)
Class/Course/Subject: Language Arts
Activity Idea 1: Predictions
Students will be read a chunk of “Something from Nothing” by Phoebe Gilman and then be asked to write a short prediction of what they think will happen next.
Students will then read 2 other student’s predictions and provide a comment or question on that student’s blog. Students will also be given time to respond to these comments and questions.
This step will repeat itself three times until the story is finished where the students will then be asked to write a short response regarding their predictions accuracy and if they could choose an item to turn their blanket into what would it be?
Resource: “Something from Nothing” by Phoebe Gilman
Activity Idea 2: Sharing/Journaling
Similar to the traditional “show and tell” and journaling that is often done in face to face classrooms this activity will supplement it. The students will have another outlet to “share” their personal stories with the class.
Each week student will have one opportunity to write about something that is happening in their life and have their peers ask questions and make comments. The students will also be responsible for responding to those questions and comments.
Activity Idea 3: Creative Writing with Big/Little Buddies
This activity involves two classes. The grade 2s will be paired with older students from another class in the school (big/little buddies). Administrative rights to the class blogs will be shared with the older student’s teacher so that he/she can make accounts for their students.
The little buddies (grade 2s) will then create a story from their imagination, however they will only be responsible for writing half of the story. Their older buddy will then be responsible for finishing the story.
The buddies can then comment and share opinions about how their story turned out as well as read, enjoy and comment on other’s stories.
Adapted Activity Idea: Reading Response/Persuasive Paragraph Grade 6
Students are reading “Holes” by Louis Sachar.
Students will create a persuasive paragraph presenting an argument to convince the reader to accept their point of view.
Students will discuss their feelings in a blog post about the following scenario: Sam was shot by Trout Walker for committing the crime of kissing Kate. This was illegal because Sam was black and Kate was white. However, Kate was not shot because she was white. Write a paragraph persuading the reader stating the reasons the reader should agree with you.
Students will then read and comment on two other student’s blogs.
Resources used: “Holes – A Novel Study” by Louise Sachar