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Blogging 101 – Composing Quality Comments

Composing Quality Comments

 

Blogging has many parts: the post, the comments, and the sidebar.

If you do a good job with all of the parts, your blog will be more interesting.

 

One of the key aspects of blogging is composing quality comments. This is especially important because blogging allows for interaction, almost like an on-line conversation.

 

So to make what you say relevant to the person's post you are commenting on, there are a few tips you need to remember.

 

The Commenting 3C's + Q

1. Compliment - Start off positive. Compliment the person on something specific you have read or observed in the person's blog post.

 

2. Comment - Comment on something relevant and meaningful about what the person wrote. Be specific about what you're commenting on. Remember your comment might not always be agreement. You can "politely and tactfully" disagree.

 

3. Connect - Connect with something the person wrote. Text to self, text to text, text to world - but explain that connection with details. Try to give a complete explanation or picture to your audience of what you're talking about. Or think of it as adding information or insight - or another point of view.

 

4. Question - Ask a specific question about something written or to the writer. Keep the conversation going!

 

 

Content is key!

As a class, we will evaluate our blog comments. Each student will be expected to self and peer assess comments, as this opportunity to reflect and assess will make you a better writer.

 

 

The Quick Evaluation Guide to Comments...

A one-point comment is a general comment that doesn't add very much to the post.

Example: I like your blog. Please visit mine!

 

A two-point comment adds something to the comment conversation. A commenter might compliment the writer in a specific way or add new information.

Example: I like how you say.... I also think.... because...

Or, have you thought about....

 

A three point comment is when a Connection is made. Try to make a connection (text to self, text to text, text to world). Maybe the post reminds you of an experience that you've had or something you've read or seen in the news. Share that connection! But explain the connection fully, so your audience knows what you're talking about.

Example: In your post when you say.... It reminds me of .... (Connection explained)

 

After reading your post, I started wondering about…

 

Finally, for a four point comment... try to end your comment with a relevant question. That way, an interesting conversation can develop.

Example: After reading what you said about.... I wonder....

Or - Why do you think that...?

 

Have you thought about...?

 

What do you mean when you wrote… in your post?

 

Remember, Bloggers should always proofread a comment before publishing!!

 

If you are worried about spelling or grammar, use your tools... Your digital tools!! Type your blog post or comments in Word. Then use Spellcheck and grammar check to help catch mistakes. But be sure to revise for quality content, interesting voice and word choice - as the computer can't do all that.... Well, maybe try the thesaurus feature! After you compose in Word, copy/paste into your Kidblog post.

Creating a Distribution List

TO CREATE A DISTRIBUTION LIST

Ref: http://www.howtogeek.com/170834/how-to-create-a-distribution-list-in-outlook-2013/

 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting with Screenbeam

Troubleshooting information link

Calling All Geniuses!!

The latest idea that I am totally in love with is ... Genius Hour!!! It's an opportunity for students to explore an inquiry project that engages and motivates them.
The key is that the project must be:
*Researched (but if the answer can be found too quickly, then perhaps the topic needs to focus on a "bigger idea")
*Findings must be Shared with the world (which means digitally)

However rather than telling you about this amazing inquiry-based student driven approach to learning, check out these resources:

The Genius Hour Book (which looks at Genius Hour and other Inquiry and Problem Based Learning Ideas)

New Genius Hour and 20% Time Book

The blog, "My Own Genius Hour" for fantastic resources like a 

live binder, videos (oh, just check it out!)

Genius Road - A blog with great digital ways to bring Genius Hour alive

Ms. Bertrand's Class Blog - Great resources to help explain the concept

The Global Genius Hour Project Page

Thank you!

Thank you Grade eights for a wonderful year! I've really enjoyed your humour, your insightful comments and all your unique personalities. All the best and good luck to you, as you go on to high school. 

If you need to get in touch, feel free to send me a tweet via Twitter @jstewistewie. Take care!! 

Ms. Stewie

DOL

Copy and correct the following, then discuss the changes for these Slack-jaw Yokel sentences... 

1. Maria had baked a cake tomorrow for the grade 8 fare wel?

2. Althea insissted on decoratin the gym for the country western perfermar on thursday am.

3. M.j. Planned on whereing a tuxedo they're at that event than at last minite changed his mind he would of cawsed quiet a stir with that there outfit 

Could you find the corrections?!? 

RAD and Math Evaluation

For students who are away... We completed the RAD Final Assessment today. You will have a chance to catch up on it on Monday.
*We have been doing quite a bit of preparations for the test. See the pages on this blog for Text cue lessons and main idea lessons.
*This assessment is worth 10% of Reading in Term 3 ELA.

Mr. B has been administering the Math Diagnostic Final Assessment for the past couple days. If students are away, they will be completing the assessment asap. The students have been preparing for the past couple weeks doing review assignments.

Homework

French Quiz Monday - Aliments, viandes et substitutes, and condiments vocabulary
Allowed a study sheet on the Knowledge wall.

French Presentations - Wednesday and Thursday
*Need a script, recipe card (with ingredients and instructions), and any extra presentation items.
* I will provide some cooking implements (bowls, wooden spoons, cutting boards etc.), but be creative you can bring a costume!
* This assignment is in partners or small groups (up to 4 people), you must ensure that everyone has a speaking part.
*If you wish you can bring a sample to share, but it's up to you. See the assignment on the home page of this blog.
*Evaluation - script, recipe card (in french), speaking skills (practice!! Use the websites for vocabulary and videos that I provided links to.)

ELA -
Hand in: Defying the Gods Questions (overdue)

Gods and Goddesses trait sheets (large paper - jot notes for each god/goddess x 12) due Monday.
AR Read it or Leave it Book Review and Trailer presentations start Tuesday and Weds.
Send me links to your reviews/trailers if on Prezi, Animoto or Youtube....
My e-mail: j.stewart-mitchell@rcsd.ca