Book Talks

Blogging would be an excellent way for my Language Arts students, who are all in middle school, from Grade 6 through Grade 8, to talk about books they are reading. Although these book talks are conducted verbally in class, not everyone participates because some students simply do not feel comfortable with talking in front of their peers. Many do not feel confident enough about their own opinions to speak them aloud.  If they can write in a blog, however, I feel they would be much more inclined to express their opinions and their enthusiasm. So initially the blog would be for discussing content.

To extend this activity, we will also be blogging about books we are reading as part of the curriculum; I will post questions for discussion and then have students engage in dialogue to discover answers to the questions. the lessons will be enhanced because everyone will take part, and students will feel more free to talk to each other; another important point is that natural discussion leaders will emerge from the blogs, and so the students will be more autonomous and less constricted by me always leading them where my mind tends to go, and I can facilitate from the sidelines rather than be the constant dominant presence.

Eventually I want engage students in reviewing each other's writing prior to publication, and then showcasing it online. There is an NCTE site where teachers can create a gallery for their students' best work. I believe the blogging process in a private context however would be great for students to peer review their work.