Lesson Plan for Blogging

Blogging URL:

http://www.curriculumcitizen.blogspot.com

Introduction:

            The idea and design for this blogging assignment is to introduce students in the lower grades to working with technology, and incorporating lessons being taught in the classroom into their use of technology. Specifically for this assignment, students will be asked to respond to a blog using full sentences, punctuation, and proper capitalization. The goal for the students is to achieve these three requirements, as well as, an attempt to write persuasively, and respond to the blog in the correct space provided, keeping in mind that these students are very young.

Standards:

United States Leaders, Symbols, Events and Holidays:

1.2 Identify the current President of the United States, describe what presidents do, and explain that they get their authority from a vote by the people.

Common Core Writing Standard:

1.    Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.  Basic Operations: K-2: 1.1 Demonstrate beginning steps in using available hardware and applications (e.g., turn on a computer, launch a program, use a pointing device such as a mouse). Procedures: 1.     Make an outline to organize ideas before beginning blogging. Be sure to put these ideas in order of most important to least. 2.     Open computer and click on the internet icon. 3.     Once the internet is open go to our classroom blog site. 4.     To begin a new blog click ‘New Post’ 5.     Begin your blog, be sure to write in full sentences, using punctuation and capitalization when needed. 6.     In your blog you should answer, in your opinion, what makes someone a ‘good’ president? What leads you to believe this? 7.     Instruct the students that they should attempt to make the reader of their blog agree with their opinion. 8.     When finishing the blog, rewrite just your main points in an attempt to finish your essay completely. Assessment: CATEGORY 4 - Above Standards 3 - Meets Standards/Expectations 2 - Approaching Standards 1 - Below Standards/Expectations Score Topic The topic is clearly addressed in the beginning paragraph and shows support. The topic is clearly addressed in the beginning paragraph. The topic is not clearly addressed in the beginning paragraph. The topic is not addressed in the beginning paragraph. Support The student clearly gives examples to support their topic and opinion. The student gives examples to support their topic and opinion. The student begins to give examples to support their topic and opinion. The student does not give examples to support their topic and opinion. Ideas are in right order Ideas are clearly organized from beginning, middle, to end. Ideas are organized from beginning, middle, to end. Ideas are somewhat organized from beginning, middle, to end. Ideas are not organized from beginning, middle, to end. Capitalization & Punctuation Names, places, states, and beginnings of sentences are all capitalized. Sentences are clearly marked with punctuation. Most Names, places, states, and beginnings of sentences are capitalized. Most sentences are marked with punctuation. Some names, places, states, and beginnings of sentences are all capitalized. Some sentences are marked with punctuation. Names, places, states, and beginnings of sentences are not capitalized. Sentences are not marked with punctuation. Adaptions/Modifications: For students not as advanced in their computer and writing skills, they may work in groups, however they must agree on opinion beforehand.

Assignment for Students

First, on paper, make an outline of your ideas for your own blog comment.
Remember to list your ideas from most important to least important.

Next, in the comment section of this blog write; In your opinion, what qualities and characteristics make a 'good' president?
What leads you to believe this?

Attempt to make the reader agree with your opinion.
Explain in your own words in the comment section of this blog.

Students should write in full sentences, use punctuation, and capitalization when it is needed.
Students may also work in groups if it has been approved by the teacher. For students working in groups they must agree on an opinion to take before starting their blog comment.