Care to Comment?

Now that you've had some time to practice writing blog posts, it's time, yet again, to step up our blogging!  As I mentioned before, a crucial part of participating in the blogosphere is interaction.  It's all about the conversation.  Today, we're going to explain a little more about what this means by introducing you to the blog comment.

A good, thoughtful blog comment might:

• praise interesting ideas in the original post
• ask for clarification of any unclear parts of the original post
• add the responder's own thoughts to original ideas to build strength
• contradict or challenge (respectfully!) by explaining another aspect or asking a question to further dialogue
• contain connections (to the self, the world, another text, or another part of the same text) to deepen thinking about the post

AND good, thoughtful blog responses always

• are respectful and coherent
• use standard vocab, spelling, and grammar (so that everyone can understand)
• show consideration of the original blogger's work and thought

Finally, since blogs are conversations, it's rude not to reply when spoken to!  You are required to comment on at least two separate posts per week.  If you're the original author, you should also reply to comments that you receive.

For some mentor texts on commenting, click on these links to see last year's 8th graders rocking the comments thread:

Pia's post on the painting "Life and Death" by Gustav Klimt

Izzy's post on street art by Banksy (speaking of street art, see Max and Rafaele as well)

Nina's post on how girls and boys respond differently to books

So, let's get talking! 

(Adapted from posts by Ms. Rear and Ms. Robbins and borrowed from Ms. Langbein)