Blogs
are a great outlet for kids to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas but the
notion of starting a blog can be overwhelming: How do I set it up? What do I write about? How do I write different types of
articles? How do I engage my audience?
Inspired
by our own kids who wanted to start a soccer blog, we created the Think Blog: Blog Writing Guide for Kids.
It is a resource for kids ages 8-12 to
help plan, organize and create their own blog.
It includes information regarding blogs, organization and profile
worksheets, article idea brainstorming prompts, writing worksheets for 18 types
of articles, an article planning worksheet and an article reflection
worksheet.
There
are endless benefits to have kids/students create their own blogs. Here are a few of the most important
benefits:
Practice and
develop writing skills: They can improve their writing to influence others and
express themselves. It provides a
different platform for reluctant writers, those with different learning styles
or those who might be more motivated by choosing their writing topic and
article style.
Express and develop
their passions and creativity: Kids/Students can write about their
interests or hobbies and use different types of articles to allow more
creativity and diversity in their writing style. Their blog gives them a voice and becomes a
written portfolio.
Develop confidence
while sharing what’s on their mind: Writing a blog will increase confidence
in their writing skills, their ability to express themselves and knowledge of their
subjects.
Develop a sense
of pride and ownership in “published” writings: maintaining a
blog helps develop a sense of pride in published work with an authentic
audience to read and comment on their ideas.
Become an expert
by researching and writing about a topic: As they continue to write
various types of articles on specific subjects they will become an “expert” on
certain topics. They can debate and
discuss topics through the comments.
Learn Digital Citizenship
& Netiquette: Kids will learn what is appropriate and responsible to post
online and begin to build a personal brand.
Explore and
Learn Technology and Design Skills: Kids will have the opportunity to learn
and explore various programs and aspects of technology and design while
designing their blog, writing articles, posting links, images, developing
content and being creative.
Classroom
Benefits: Parents
will enjoy reading their kid’s writing in an everyday format. Students in the class will also learn about
each other’s interests in various topics while learning to comment and discuss
respectfully.
To
see how some of the writing worksheets have been used to by kids to write
published blog articles, please visit www.iLivefutbol.com
Best wishes
for your kids/students for creating their blogs!
Kids are always excited for the end of the school year and start of summer break. Our School Year Reflection & Memories Think Book give students a place to reflect and record their school year memories. Giving them a chance to reflect on their experiences, accomplishments and growth helps them develop pride and positive feelings about the school year. 
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