knitting librarian

I really want to compliment you all on the numerous posts and comments you’ve been writing on the blog. You’ve shown that you care about the books you’re reading and that you’re an excellent source of recommendations for your classmates.

There is something I’d like to make you think about now. Your posts are what every student who uses a computer in the library sees when they open IE. You are giving them some ideas about you when they read your posts. Think about that. What you write has an impact on others. What you write is seen by others. What you write is judged by others. In reading through comments, I’ve noticed some of you asking your classmates to proofread what they’ve written. (I’ve also noticed some of you complaining that your friends are acting like your mom or something.)

While this blog is hosted at my home, it is possible that other people will see it. It is possible that other teachers, students, and parents may see it. What you write represents not only you, but your teachers and your school.

When you write on the blog, I urge you to consider the following questions before clicking that “publish” button:

1. Did I grab my reader’s attention with a good lead?
2. Did I use vivid vocabulary and give lots of details so people will make pictures in their head?
3. Did I muse about what I wrote by beginning sentences with I think, I wonder, or I wish I knew?
4. Did I ask a thought-provoking question at the end of my post to encourage good comments?
5. Will my title entice readers to read my post?
6. Did I start new ideas with new paragraphs?
7. Did I read my post out loud to myself to make sure it makes sense?

It may take you a few more minutes to blog, but it will make the blog so much better. Please please please read, edit, and rewrite when necessary. Think of it as practice for the writing portion of the PSSA. Think of it as practice for any writing you do now or in the future. (Remember THINK is part of Read, Write, Think, Repeat.) Show everyone that you think about what you write before you post it!

Some suggestions for those of you who think you need help: – Use Appleworks to compose your post, spell-check it, and then copy and paste it into the “Write Post” page. – If you’re not sure how to spell a word, use the dictionary or ask for some help from someone. – Ask for writing tips from your friends, your teacher, or your librarian.