1. Blogging Basics
August 2010
The Unquiet Library
Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Lester

2. Why blog?
 Writing is a great way to “think aloud” on
paper.
 Blogs allow us to see what our peers are
thinking and writing---blogs are great for giving
us insights or helping see a topic in a new light.
 Blogs encourage critical thinking.
 Blogs encourage everyone to have a voice in
class discussions.

3. Before you blog…
 You should type and save all blog entries in
Microsoft Word.
 Create a folder in “My Documents”. Name
your folder “LesterBlogs”.
 Be sure to give each Word file name that
identifies the blog topic and date.
 Use the spell/grammar check feature in Word
(F7).

4. Blogging Manners
 Use only your first name in your posts—we
want to be Internet safe and not give any
identifying information about ourselves.
 Use standard American English---someone
besides your teacher is your audience!
 Use appropriate language; avoid slang or web
jargon, such as “BFF” or “TTYL.”

5. DO………..
 Think reflectively and critically.
 Focus on answer the writing prompt as
carefully as you can---think DEEP.
 Use language appropriate for academic
writing.

6. DON’T…
 Use slang.
 Use abbreviations or web jargon.
 Reveal any identifying personal information.
 Get sloppy with grammar, spelling, and
punctuation!

7. How do I get to the blog?
 http://connectwithmedia21.wordpress.com
 Spelling DOES matter---if you do not type the
URL correctly, Wordpress will think you are
trying to create your own blog. 

8. Steps for Blogging
 Respond thoughtfully; type your response in
Word. Save and save often!
 Proofread carefully---spell check is great, but it
does not catch every error.
 Toggle back to your web browser so you can
see the blog.

9. Steps for Blogging
 Enter your first name only.
 Enter your email. If you do not have one,
please see Ms. Hamilton.
 Do not fill in the third box “website.”
 Copy and paste your text from your Word
document.

10. Completing Your Blog Post
 Paste your text.
 Wait at least one minute---sometimes if you
click on “submit” too quickly after text is
entered, Wordpress thinks you are just typing
“garbage.”
 Once you have pasted your text and waited 1
minute, click submit.
 Your post will not appear to the world right
away; Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Lester moderate
this blog and must approve your comment.