Fledgling Bloggers

My students started blogging today, and this year they have to post every other week, on any topic that interests them. Observations in the computer lab as they set up their new blog sites:

The little swimming fish (which look far too much like sperm for my liking) are a very popular gadget.

The boys, surprisingly, are very concerned with color choices and sidebar images. One posted a picture of a cat dressed up as Darth Vader, and another a picture of a naked baby smoking a cigarette. The latter picture was vetoed by the blogger police (me).

One class got into a huge discussion of what words I would and wouldn't allow for class blogging. I OK'ed "ass" but said no to "slutty," particularly when I learned that the topic was our rival school.

I saw one student begin writing about the day of his birth, one about stage fright, several listing all their favorite things, and at least one up-and-coming sports commentator.

And finally - aside from the playing of video games - I've never seen students having so much fun in the computer lab! Of course, most of the fun was choosing font styles, but you have to start somewhere.