happily blogging

<http://www.shep45.edublogs.org/>

This is a year 5 class in Australia and it's purpose is to document what the students have been doing in class. What I especially liked was their documentation of birds in the school environment. They took photos and recorded how often they saw the birds. I thought this could be done with any year from K to 6. I thought it was a great science and maths lesson. They could discuss what they know about the birds e.g. native or introduced, how they live and how many there are. The students would learn the proper names and be able to identify the specific birds in their environment.

<http://www.huzzah.edublogs.org/>

This is a 5/6 class in America. It is used like a newsletter, information for parents and for the students. Some parts I liked were the individual students book reviews. Each week one student would post a review of a book, what it was about and what they thought of it. This was great. They also have video footage of their science design of a robot which they presented with a dance and music. This was great for the other students to see and parents who often don't know what's going on in the classroom. They also had the students explain what perspective is with pictures then the class had posted their drawings showing perspective. I loved this too. They have lots of other information too e.g. student election information (by the students), a visit by an Australian teacher they blog with, homework info etc.

<http:/www.bryanclass.edublogs.org/>

This is year 4/5 in South Australia. There are MANY links to maths games, tips and tricks (which my daughter spent time playing the tables games...who needs mathletics???). Tips on how to 'train your brain' which I will look at later (very necessary!!), handwriting information, their history project details, reading rubrics for students etc. It must take a lot of time by the teacher setting it all up. I think the students would love it at home where they can check information, lessons or project details.