Using Blogs in the Classroom

Blogging is something I have used in the classroom for the past two years. I have found both advantages and disadvantages to it. They can be used for as a great and fun way to communicate to parents, but also allow for comments that should not be for all to read.
I love to be able to take pictures of activities or even video fun experiments or assignments and put them on my blogs for parents to see since they are not always on the fields trips or there for each activity. Some parents can never make it to the parties because of work or to any of the awards assemblies to see their child receive an award. This provides a way for them to feel as though they have taken part of the event and can talk to their children about it.
It also allows me to thank all of the help that is provided for me. There are times that parents drop off materials in the office or send items with their children. I never get to see them, therefor I never get the chance to thank them for what they have done to help. Blogging allows me to do this and for all to see the amount of help that is provided in the classroom.
On the flip side to blogging, some people do not realize that the comments they post are visible for all to read. There are times when comments are made that should not be posted to a blog and maybe discussed between just the parent and the teacher. People tend to say things when typing that they might not say when in person. It can start a ranting session which is not what the blog is intended for.
For the most part blogging seems to be a great way to communicate, but like anything else their needs to be boundaries as to how it is used. Informing parents before using it will help them to know the reasons for the blog and educate them on how to use it in the best way possible.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I would like to thank the parents that put together our classroom fall party. It was by far the most organized school party I have ever had in my classroom. The students enjoyed the games they got to play and are still talking about them. The craft they created was extremely cute. I have to admit I stole the idea and made them with my children at home. Even getting snacks, which is usually the craziest part, went without any problems. Students went straight to their seats with their food and got ready for the next game. I was so pleased with the outcome. When the day was over there was no stress on my part and clean up was a breeze. Thank you so much.

One quarter down, Three to go!!!

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can", said the little engine. Well we can. The first quarter of the year is done and man did it go fast. Hopefully you have found that your child's transition into 5th grade has gone well. I know there have been a few bumps along the way with this being an intense change from 4th grade and my being new to this grade level and trying to get a hang of things. I have been saying the same thing as the students and keep telling myself "I can".
I feel as though this first quarter has gone rather smoothly with all of the events that have been taking place. I have been pleased with the performances of your children with the Math Basic Skills tests and MAPS testing. They used the strategies they have been taught and exceeded my expectations. We now will start preparing for state testing. Hold on to your hats because this is going to be quite the ride for all of us. I think it will go well seeing how everything else has been going.
On another note, we are going to start a rather large project that will be taking place for most of the 2nd quarter. We will be completing a hero project where one student will be selected from each 5th grade class to represent our school at the district Hero assembly. The students will be choosing a hero of their choice, researching, and writing an informative story as to why their person is heroic. Most of this project will be completed in class. We will have a night for parents to come to the school to watch their children present their hero. Please refer to my web backpack for information over this hero project.
I am looking forward to working through the next quarter to see the amazing accomplishments of each student in the class. On with the journey!