Kid Blog

This week I introduced our classroom to an online program called Kid Blog. Have you been trying to think of new ways to get your child writing at home? Ask them to sign into Kid Blog to read/comment on their classmate’s posts and create a blog post of their own! Students can develop voice by writing about topics that interest them, share stories, and provide positive feedback to others about their writing. Occasionally I will post topics for students to respond to. For example, our class homework over spring break is to log into Kid Blog, read their classmates posts and write at least one blog post of their own about their Spring Break or a topic of their choice. The students are provided with their own individual blog in a safe classroom blogging community.

Students are aware of the responsibility that comes along with having their own blog. We have discussed clear expectations about internet safety and using kind, and respectful language. Only first names will be used on the blog and all comments have to be approved by me before it will show up on the blog. This allows me to moderate every comment and ensure each student is using the blog safely and appropriately. Kid Blog allows me to maintain complete control over student blogs and user accounts. Only our class can view the blog as it is password protected.

How to Log In:

Students can access our Kid Blog by clicking on a link found on our classroom blog.  The link can be found under the “Kid Blog” tab along the top of the home page.
Here is a quick link to the log-in page: Ms. Cameron's Class Kid Blog

·         The students will log-in to their account using the password “Cameron”.

·         Parents and Family Members:
I have created a "Guest" account where parents and family members can log in to read and leave a special comment on their child's blog. The guest log-in password is “noexcuses”. Please sign each post with your name so the students know who the “guest” comment was from.

Our class has been buzzing about their blogs this week! This is a great opportunity for all writers to develop their literacy skills through different mediums. I can already see a positive change in how motivated our class is to practice their writing at home. The blog will also help students create classroom discussions, learn digital citizenship, practice writing skills and reflect on their learning.  If you have any further questions or concerns regarding Kid Blog, please let me know.

The Great Canadian Mail Race 
We are still receiving letters of reply from the Great Canadian Mail Race! This week, Sierra received a letter from her namesake Ciera, a Grade 4 student from Edmonton, Alberta!

Friends for Life Party
On Tuesday the class took part in the final Friends for Life session. The instructors ended the program with a class party! The students made their own friendship bracelets while enjoying some snacks. They also received a F.R.I.E.N.D.S for Life certificate and treat bag.

Tweet Tweet!
Our Twitter Board continues to be a big hit in our classroom. This week our "Trending Topic" was related to our monthly virtue, "What does fairness mean to you?" It's inspiring to see our students reflect on their learning, set new goals and motivate each other by adding a new tweet to the board.

Pointillism-Palooza! 
This week we have been working on a technique called pointillism. Pointillism was created by a famous painter named George Seurat in the late 1800's.  The technique involves creating pictures using only small dots, which we made using Q-tips! These paintings look so cool!

Spring School Photos:School photo proofs were sent home this week for those students who had their pictures taken. If you would like to order photos, the order deadline is due back to the school by Monday, April 28th.

Important Dates:
Friday, April 18: No School
April 21-25: Spring Break - No School
Monday, April 28: School Photo Order Deadline (Portrait Payment is Due Back)
Wednesday April 30: GMS Achievers Assembly 9:30 AM

Have a wonderful long weekend and spring break with your family!

Ms. Cameron