Plans for My Weblog

In the planning meeting with Anne Davis this summer, we discussed how we wanted to make writing the focus of our weblogs project. As we brainstormed ways teachers could use the weblogs format to provide an outlet for students’ writing, I began to think about how what I, as the principal, could use as a springboard for interacting with students. One avenue which came to mind was “character education”. Character education is so important that it must be more meaningful than simply posting a word a week on the outside sign or announcing it over the intercom. If character traits are to be relevant and meaningful in students’ lives, they must have an opportunity to think about ways they see evidence of those traits in others and themselves. My thought was that if I used the character traits as a springboard for my writing, we could get dialogue going between the students and myself. What better way to internalize those traits than to write about them while at the same time sharing and celebrating the many good qualities they see in those around them. Since writing is our focus, this format would provide students an outlet for “quick writes” or lengthier thoughtful responses and opinions. This would allow students to see authentic reasons for writing and to begin to see writing as a tool that makes a difference in their lives. I’m excited to see where this leads…