Blogging as a "Subject" in Our Homeschool
Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:30AM 
My kids watch my blog. They see me writing, taking pictures, and reading other blogs. When I told Miss B she could start her own blog she said, "Really?!?". She's been learning keyboarding through a fabulous little program, Typing Instructor for Kids. Last year she got the basics down by using a free online program, Dance Mat Typing. It was great! If you're wanting a good place to start with keyboarding, look no further.
Back to the blog. I told Miss B she had to be a fairly good typist to blog, or else she would get frustrated. And no, I would not type the posts for her! I sit with her and help her with formatting, adding pictures, etc... It's a great technology lesson. We use Google to search for images. We upload pictures from my iPhone. We make use of spellcheck! She told me she only wants to blog once a week because she wants it to be interesting and doesn't want readers to get bored by hearing too much from her. Is she a smart cookie or what?
She's done a couple of posts so far, so if you'd like to stop by and offer her some encouragement, I know she would love that. She asks me all the time if anyone new is following her blog or if anyone left her a "message".
I think she has a huge heart and I'm just so blessed to able to watch her blossom into a young lady. Take a peek at Miss B's Beautiful Blog!
Let me know if you have a child who blogs, and do you have any restrictions, rules, etc....? I'm curious about kids in the blogosphere.
Reader Comments (16)
I think this is such a fun idea - not just because I am a blogger, but typing, creative thought, blank canvas -- it's great!
thanks for linking up today!!
Stef
Both my girls (8 and 10) have blogs. I will share your daughters with them. If they get a reply from Fashionbug or Winnie, you will know who they are! My girls started blogging last summer. It started as a way for my oldest to share her homeschool experience with her school friends whom she was leaving behind when she withdrew in June. It has evolved into a place she share what she loves.
I set up their blogs. They are open but I moderate all comments. My oldest can type (using Dance Mat!) and blog independently. In just six months she has acquired many vital computer skills. My youngest is learning to type and I admit I help her with the typing. But she is now able to post pictures and reply to comments independently.
I look forward to seeing her blog!
Jessica, blog frienddcwould be great! I am assuming I can find their blogs through yours?? Can't wait to see!
I think it's a great idea! My kids aren't old enough but when they are I would definitely let them =)
I have thought about doing this with my girls too---for typing skills, writing skills, etc. Thanks for showing us it can be done!
~Jennifer
My son is about to turn 13 and he wants a blog. I told him he could have one so he's trying to decide what he'd like to do with it before he actually sets it up. I think its a great way for them to learn.
And we loved Dance Mat Typing! That's how my son first learned to type!
My 10 year old daughter started her own blog a few months ago and she feels very grown up indeed. We also use Typing Instructor (for kids) so apparently, great minds think alike!
What a great idea!! And her blog is already beautiful...but it would seem she has a great mentor! Yours is lovely too!! :-) Glad you linked up! I'm linked here: http://joysandrewards.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/its-memorize-monday/
Blessings, Linda
My daughter does not have a blog but I now seriously thinking about it. My 10 year old daughter has written two "guest posts" on my blog and I never thought of allowing her to have her own. I mean what a great idea! Love it!
Blessings!
Too cute~ Love that she is blogging at such a young age. I made sure to leave her a message! Enjoy your blog :)
That is a great idea! My oldest (16 y/o) has a blog that sits with tumbleweeds blowing through it. She forgot that she started one.
My second oldest started on a few yrs. back and mainly uses it to write her book.
What a great idea - and what lovely blogs both you and your daughter have! My kids and kids-in-law are all bloggers, but they're adults! I think blogging would be a great way to teach and reinforce so many important skills at a young age.
Deb @ LivingMontessoriNow.com
Mary, my girls also have blogs. I will share Miss B's with them. They tend to write rather sporadically.
Really great idea. My older kids have blogs and my 11 yo has been asking for one! He wants a forum to publish the lego and bionicle videos he shoots! I really wonder if he would be interested in writing at all! = )
How fun to start her blog this early!
And yes, typing is a must-have skill. My husband still hunts and pecks, even though he often needs to be on the computer for work. He's jealous of my mad typing skills. ;)
My oldest is only 6, so we'll wait a little for his blog.
My son has a blog where he reviews books and movies made from books. It's a good way to give them a reason to write and it helps him care more about his punctuation/spelling/etc. since others may see it. Great idea!
Our only rules are that he get his topics approved and that I have a right to read what he's written before he posts it (and must approve of it).
Blessings,
Heather