This week’s blog will be in the form of a poem.  Take the time to reflect on our visit from author Taylor Mali, “poetry should be artful, honest, and musical.”

At the beginning of our Web 2.0 experience we talked about safety points when writing on the Internet and what freedom of speech and expression means as a blogger.   I thought it would be important to refresh your memory.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A GLOBAL BLOGGER

1. NEVER  give out personal information.

2.  Do not use your full name, use your pen name or only your first name.  For example, pink milkshake or Ian.

3. You are writing to a global audience, be mindful of the words you choose.

4.  Do not plagiarize on your blog.  Give credit when credit is due- for either information, videos, illustrations, etc.  Anything that is not yours needs to be cited, link to the source if it is found on the Internet.

5. Do not link anything to your blog before reading it yourself.  Take the time to make sure the link is appropriate and something you do not mind being associate with.

6. Use language that is acceptable in the classroom.  Remember, you are writing to a global audience.

7. When leaving comments, use the sandwich method: positive comment, suggestions to improve the post, words of encouragement. Be respectful towards others and their opinions.  Yes, there is freedom of expression, but it is your responsibility to uphold proper etiquette in your writing.

8.  Be a Fair-Minded Thinker (Writer)

Some of the information in this post was used from blogging 101.

This week you will be working the fluidity of your writing. You need to think about how each sentence is connected the the next.  Look at the transitions between paragraphs.  You will not need to highlight anything.  The entry should be at least 450 words.  Don’t forget to cite information that is used when writing your post.  You don’t want to plagiarize your post, give credit where credit is due.

Wondering what Julia things about Eminem, The Beatles, or Michael Jackson?  Click on over to her blog, The People Around Us.

Wondering who Savannah is talking about, “He has a really raspy, quirky, melodic and unique type of voice that when he sings it doesn’t sound like he is screeching. He is from England and Lived in Ireland for most of his life so he sings and raps with a British accent so it may be complicated for some people to understand what he says.”

Do you think you know who Nadine  is writing about? “AKA Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is currently 39 and is from Detroit, Michigan. He has always had an interest in rapping, but began to get serious in 1992.”

Word choice has been the focus for the past two weeks.  You were including past vocabulary words into your writing as well as jazzing up your post with words that add pizzazz.  Thank you Megan for the description, pizzazz.

If you are interested in reading some reviews about electronics, cars, or a match, you might want to read Muhammad, Kyle, or Johan’s blog.

Which would you prefer, Blackberry or iPhone? Check out Muhammad I.’s blog.

Is it a Tablet or iPad world?  Johan has some opinions about both products.

What about that Bahrain vs. Indonesia match, 10-0.  Really?  Could it be fixed?  Kyle has an opinion on that match as well as the Chelsea vs. Stoke City.

If you are interested in learning something about scuba diving, check out Sharifa’s blog.  Do you  know what a dry suit is and why you might need one?  Hop on over to Ian’s blog and read his most recent blog posting

Is music your thing?  Click on over to Hanna H’s blog and read about One Direction.

You guys are just getting started and I can begin to hear some of your “voices” leaping off the computer.  I am proud of you guys, keep it clicking!

Wow! This year’s blogging groupies are off to a fantastic start. There are interesting themes from writing reviews about electronics to luxury cars, athletics, music, video games, sports, and outdoor hobbies.  Many of your classmates love food, imagine that.  I have to say that it will be hard to read these blogs without making my mouth water.

If you are looking for something new to eat?  How about some tasty brains, eyeballs, or hairy meat? Interesting? Check out Tsania’s blog.  If you are interested in finding some new baking recipes for cookies or baklava, check out AlDana, Rebecca, Latifa, and Keenen’s blog.  If you are looking how to make a KILLER cheese stuffed hamburger, check out Eli’s blog.  Are you someone who cannot pass up a basket full of spicy Buffalo Wings, but you don’t know how to make them, click on over to Bayan’s blog.  You will dazzle your friends at your next get together.  Does chocolate tickle your taste buds?  Paige has some unique twists to hot chocolate. No matter what your interest, you are sure to find something worth reading.

Continue exploring your classmates’ blogs and don’t forget to leave highly reflective comments.  Keep improving your thinking, reflecting, and writing skills.  Happy Blogging!

Hello class of 2016.  Welcome to the world of blogging.  I am hopeful you are excited to enter the global world of communication via blogging.  You will begin blogging by writing a reflection about the meaning of freedom and the connection of you as a blogger.  A minimum of 250 words is required.  Remember to use correct grammar and incorporate as many vocabulary words into your writing.  You want to dazzle your readers.

Scroll down to the second page for detailed directions of the Freedom Page.

Happy blogging!

This is your final required blog for your 2009-2010 school year.  I have hopes that some of you will continue to write in your blog.  You have made connection with other bloggers and hopefully are inspired to continue writing.  This quarter your self-reflection will take the form of a blog.  Please answer the following questions, one per paragraph:

1.  In your opinion, what was the purpose of this blogging activity? (Why did Ms. Rumford decide to spend so much time on blogging instead of more traditional writing activities?)

2.  What have you accomplished during your blogging and give specifics to support your ? (Think outside the box–remember, you are global citizens.)

3.  What key concepts have you learned while blogging? (This can be about writing, research or technology etc.)

4.  How did the weekly requirements (different sentences, word count, word choice, voice, research, linking, embedding, intro-body-conclusion, concise writing, etc.) help you become a better writer? For example, identifying and highlighting your sentences, knowing when to use a comma, semi-colon, phrases and clauses, etc.

5. Based on the skills (writing, technology, perspective) you learned while blogging, how will this benefit you in the future? This maybe inside or outside of school.

I am looking forward to knowing the impact this had on your writing, thinking, perspective, and technology.  Please have this posted by MAY 30th 12:01 am.  (that means posting by May 29th MIDNIGHT.  This is worth a self-reflection grade and this is the only grade in this category.  Take your time and give your best.  This will be the final piece of writing for 8th grade, so make it a fantastic one!

3rd Quarter Self-Reflection Guidelines
Please complete these questions in a word document and have it ready to be turned in on March 23rd or 24th, depending on what day you have LA.

You may add questions or compare your work to past wikis. Anything you want me to know about your blogging is helpful and appreciated. Happy reflecting.
1. How has blogging made you a better writer? Give specific examples and explain specific learning.
2. What did you learn from writing your last 2 blogs within 1 paragraph?
3. What did you learn about sentences when writing blog 4 & 5 and taking the time to identify and analyze your writing?
4. Copy and paste a simple sentence and explain why it is SIMPLE.
Copy and paste a compound sentence and explain why it is a COMPOUND SENTENCE.
Copy and paste a complex sentence and explain why it is a COMPLEX SENTENCE.

5.  Anything extra you want me to know about blogging, technology or The Wave novel.  This is section is optional.