Having previously written about blogging in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, it seemed obvious to continue to the series by looking at what Years 3 and 4 might be able to do. In addition to what younger children can do, here are the increasingly advanced skills that a 7 - 9 year old could use in school:
1. Creating your own posts
During some inset with David Mitchell, uberguru of blogging, our year 4s used their own logins to create blog posts at this site: http://brandontanfield.asksir.co.uk/
As a result, this led us to explore giving the children their own logins to add content. We did this by using email accounts linked to each ipad rather than individual children (this saved me lots of work!). It also meant each child can create blog posts on the class blog without the need for logging in and out with long emails.
This allows lots of digital content (including posters made on Pic Collage etc.) to be shared without the teacher having the time consuming job of posting work. It also can be used to teach children skills like tagging their work, to create a digital portfolio.
As older children are more likely to create content with less teacher support using apps such as iMovie, Show Me, Audioboo etc. (and will want to share it), childrens' logins can free up the valuable time of the teacher.
2. Using the blog for homework
As well as using the blog to share games with children, blogging activities such as 100wc.net are accessible to Year 3 and 4 pupils. This allows children to develop their writing skills, and where combined with children creating blog posts, encourages comments from children and adults around the world, generating a ready-made global audience.
I'm sure there are lots more uses for lower KS2 children; as always it's the Year 3 / 4 teachers who come up with age-appropriate innovative ideas!
1. Creating your own posts
During some inset with David Mitchell, uberguru of blogging, our year 4s used their own logins to create blog posts at this site: http://brandontanfield.asksir.co.uk/
As a result, this led us to explore giving the children their own logins to add content. We did this by using email accounts linked to each ipad rather than individual children (this saved me lots of work!). It also meant each child can create blog posts on the class blog without the need for logging in and out with long emails.
This allows lots of digital content (including posters made on Pic Collage etc.) to be shared without the teacher having the time consuming job of posting work. It also can be used to teach children skills like tagging their work, to create a digital portfolio.
As older children are more likely to create content with less teacher support using apps such as iMovie, Show Me, Audioboo etc. (and will want to share it), childrens' logins can free up the valuable time of the teacher.
2. Using the blog for homework
As well as using the blog to share games with children, blogging activities such as 100wc.net are accessible to Year 3 and 4 pupils. This allows children to develop their writing skills, and where combined with children creating blog posts, encourages comments from children and adults around the world, generating a ready-made global audience.
I'm sure there are lots more uses for lower KS2 children; as always it's the Year 3 / 4 teachers who come up with age-appropriate innovative ideas!
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