Welcome to my blog!  I started this blog to share what is going on in my classroom with my students and their parents.  It has grown into a place to do that and more.  You can find anything and everything related to my eighth grade language arts class here.  I will highlight student work, link to student blogs, connect with young adult author and book blogs, post weekly assignments, and share lots of great books. 

As you can see, a blog is a place to share your ideas.  Unlike a diary, people around the world can read these blogs.  Check out the map on the right.  Every red dot is a place around the world where someone dropped by to read my blog.  Each student will be getting a blog, too.  Students can publish their writing to their blog and will write about the books they are reading.  Students are free to write posts about any topic they want.  Just remember that the blogs are through school and can be read by anyone. 

You can find student blogs listed under the Blogroll links on the far right side.  If you click on the link for a particular class period, it will take you to the most recent posts from that class.  To get to the student’s actual blog, click on the post title in large blue print. 

I invite you to join in this journey with us.  I would love to hear your thoughts, too.  If you would like to join the conversation, look for the comments link under the post title.  If no one has chimed in yet, it will say “no comments.”  If people have already joined the discussion, the link will indicate how many comments.  Clicking the link will take you to a comment form.  You will have to fill in some basic information, including your comment.  Once you have filled out the form, click “submit.”  Your comment should appear on my blog. 

I do not edit or change comments.  I want to hear your voice.  I welcome a difference of opinion as long as everyone remains respectful.  I will delete comments that are rude or inappropriate. 

If you are new to blogging and aren’t sure what to leave in a comment, you might try one of these suggestions:

• Ask a question–What do you want to know more about?
• Add new information–What facts do you know about this topic? 
• Make a connection–What does the post remind you of?
• Proofread your comment before clicking “submit.”  Since I’m not up on the latest texting lingo, please use regular English, too!

I hope to hear from you soon!