Publishing Online

We Are Bloggers!

Students in Ms. Sierpina's and Ms. Magee's grade 6 classes are blogging! First, we spent time discussing blogging and writing for an audience outside of school. Then each student setup a blog using Google Sites. Students learned to set permissions, comments, layout, theme, format, and sharing and then published their blogs on the internet. They created forms to collect and display feedback from viewers.

In today's digital age, the ability to express oneself effectively online is a crucial skill. As educators, it's our responsibility to equip students with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. One powerful way to do this is by introducing blogging into the curriculum, even as early as sixth grade.
Why Sixth Grade?Sixth grade marks a significant transitional period in a student's academic journey. It's a time when children are becoming more independent thinkers and are eager to explore their interests beyond the confines of the classroom. Introducing them to blogging at this stage not only capitalizes on their natural curiosity but also lays the foundation for strong communication skills that will serve them well in the future.
The Importance of BloggingWriting Proficiency: Blogging provides students with a platform to practice and improve their writing skills in a real-world context. By crafting blog posts on topics they're passionate about, they learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively, honing essential communication skills that are vital in both academic and professional settings.
Digital Literacy: In today's digital landscape, being able to navigate and contribute to online spaces responsibly is more important than ever. Through blogging, students learn about online etiquette, digital citizenship, and how to critically evaluate information—a skill set that's essential for success in the digital age.
Authentic Audience: Unlike traditional classroom assignments that may only be seen by the teacher, blogging offers students the opportunity to share their ideas with a larger audience. Knowing that their words have the potential to reach beyond the classroom motivates students to take ownership of their learning and produce work of a higher caliber.
Self-Expression and Creativity: Blogging allows students to express themselves in a way that's unique to them. Whether they're writing about their hobbies, sharing personal experiences, or advocating for causes they believe in, blogging empowers students to find their voice and share it with the world.
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Blogging encourages students to think critically about the topics they're writing about and reflect on their own learning process. By engaging in meaningful discussions with their peers through comments and feedback, students deepen their understanding of the subject matter and develop valuable critical thinking skills.
Introducing sixth grade students to the world of blogging is more than just teaching them how to write online it's about empowering them to become confident communicators, responsible digital citizens, and lifelong learners. By providing them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed in the digital age, we're preparing them for a future where effective communication and digital literacy are essential skills for success.

Technology Essential Questions:How can incorporating blogging enhance students' writing proficiency and foster critical thinking skills?What strategies can educators implement to ensure that students are engaging with blogging platforms responsibly and ethically, while also fostering a positive digital footprint?In what ways does blogging empower students to explore their interests, amplify their voices, and cultivate a sense of digital citizenship within a global community?
2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework6-8.CAS.a; 6-8.CAS.b; 6-8.DTC.a.3; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.b

Graphic Design

Horns, Wings & Canva Things:Animal Structure Meets Graphic Design

Ms. Osowski & Mrs. Mills - Grade 4

Combining creativity with technology is essential for students to communicate their ideas effectively. Ms. Osowski's and Mrs. Mills' 4th graders recently had the opportunity to showcase their understanding of animal structure by designing vibrant infographics using Canva, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!
A Blend of Creativity and SkillsThe project began with students selecting an animal and researching its structures and functions based on the Massachusetts 4th-grade science standard. They drafted key details about how these structures help the animal survive, grow, or meet its needs. Then, the fun began as they brought their findings to life using Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool.
In Canva, students explored various design features, such as:Layout and Composition: Choosing templates that fit their content while maintaining visual balance.Typography: Pairing fonts to create emphasis and ensure readability.Color Theory: Selecting color palettes that matched the mood or themes of their chosen animal.Visual Elements: Incorporating icons, images, and charts to enhance their infographics.
Each infographic was unique, reflecting the student’s perspective and their growing skills as digital designers.

 

Aligned with MA DLCS StandardsThis project also met several Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards for grades 3–5, including:
Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC)3-5.DTC.a.3: "Use digital tools (local and online) to manipulate and publish multimedia artifacts."3-5.DTC.b.3: "Collaborate through online digital tools under teacher supervision."
Computing and Society (CAS):3-5.CAS.a.3: "Describe the different uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide."
Computational Thinking (CT):3-5.CT.d.1: "Individually and collaboratively, create, test, and modify a program in a graphical environment."

Beyond the StandardsIn addition to meeting curriculum goals, this activity encouraged critical thinking about how to communicate ideas effectively in a visually driven format. It also allowed students to explore how design choices—like font style or color—can influence how their message is perceived.
The Final ProductThe finished infographics were displayed in the classroom. They sparked meaningful conversations about animal structures while showcasing the students' creativity and design savvy.
Why It MattersBy integrating technology into science activities, students gained practical skills in digital design and communication—skills they will use throughout their education and beyond. This project wasn’t just about labeling animals; it was about empowering students to be creators and communicators in a digital world.
We can’t wait to see how these budding graphic designers apply their newfound skills to future projects!


Technology Essential QuestionsHow can visual design elements, such as layout, color, and typography, enhance the way we communicate information?In what ways does using digital tools like Canva help us share ideas creatively and effectively?How do the choices we make when designing graphics impact the understanding and engagement of our audience?

Graphic Design

From Cover to Canva:4th Graders Review Books in Style

In today’s increasingly digital world, combining creativity with technology is essential for students to communicate their ideas effectively. Mr. Duffy's 4th graders recently had the opportunity to showcase their favorite books by designing vibrant book review infographics using Canva, and the results were nothing short of spectacular!

A Blend of Creativity and Skills

The project began with students selecting a book they had recently read and drafting key elements for their infographic. Then, the fun began as they brought these ideas to life using Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool.

Students explored various design features, such as:

Layout and Composition: Choosing templates that fit their content while maintaining visual balance.
Typography: Pairing fonts to create emphasis and ensure readability.
Color Theory: Selecting color palettes that matched the mood or themes of their book.
Visual Elements: Incorporating icons, images, and charts to enhance their reviews.

Each infographic was unique, reflecting the student’s perspective and their growing skills as digital designers.

Aligned with MA DLCS Standards

This project also met several Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards for grades 3–5, including:

Digital Tools and Collaboration (DTC)

3-5.DTC.a.3: "Use digital tools (local and online) to manipulate and publish multimedia artifacts."

3-5.DTC.b.3: "Collaborate through online digital tools under teacher supervision."

Computing and Society (CAS):

3-5.CAS.a.3: "Describe the different uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses provide."

Computational Thinking (CT):

3-5.CT.d.1: "Individually and collaboratively, create, test, and modify a program in a graphical environment."

Beyond the Standards

In addition to meeting curriculum goals, this activity encouraged critical thinking about how to communicate ideas effectively in a visually driven format. It also allowed students to explore how design choices—like font style or color—can influence how their message is perceived.

The Final Product

The finished infographics were displayed in the classroom. They sparked meaningful conversations about books while showcasing the students' creativity and design savvy.

Why It Matters

By integrating technology into literacy activities, students gained practical skills in digital design and communication—skills they will use throughout their education and beyond. This project wasn’t just about reviewing books; it was about empowering students to be creators and communicators in a digital world.

We can’t wait to see how these budding graphic designers apply their newfound skills to future projects!

Technology Essential QuestionsHow can visual design elements, such as layout, color, and typography, enhance the way we communicate information?In what ways does using digital tools like Canva help us share ideas and stories creatively and effectively?How do the choices we make when designing graphics impact the understanding and engagement of our audience?