Ok…my attempt at creating the framework for a weblog/reader’s guide to The Secret Life of Bees is up. (Just click on the title of this post.) Comments, anyone? My thought is to “assign” various aspects to students (chapter summaries, research, character sketches, artistic interpretations, etc.) and then have them post their efforts. The key is to post to a relevant department so that along the way we can look at all the character stuff or theme stuff or whatever stuff in one place and maybe be enlightened. (The departments are listed in the left column.) I like the idea of being the first to do this, both teach the book and create a reader’s guide, and I’m hoping the kids might be into that too. Any/all suggestions greatly appreciated. (Footnote: I called the author’s publicist and left a message…wouldn’t it be fun to have her interact in the site???)
This is absolutely terrific. What a great way to foster discussion. I hope the author does interact in the site. I especially like the way they will be posting to a relevant department. I hope I can figure that out so I can do the same.
I am creating one on current events for elementary students (NewsQuest) – began today- this weblog fever is contageous!
Thanks, Will, for being a trail blazer for all of us!
P.S. – I well remember how stressful, yet exciting, the beginning of school is. Never, never enough time to do it all! Keep up the excellent work- your’re teaching us all!
You have me thinking about getting some historians to comment on some of the things we’ll be working on in our weblogs. I need to send out a few emails. Great idea!
You’ve made very effective use of categories – something I need to think more about on my students’ weblogs as I’m setting them up.
How many students do you envision working on this one site? I hate to bring it up, but do you have any thoughts on assessment?
The site looks fabulous Will (love the honeycomb background)! I’ve joined and will be watching as the blog grows!
Will,
I am a firm believer in FAQ’s. Info can flow into FAQ’s on a continuous basis. Perhaps some of the simpler info can be routed through groups to FAQ’s. What you are doing here is pretty sweet. I smell a Manilla theme in the making.
Have you tried the theme maker in Manilla? I don’t really know what I am talking about, but isn’t there a way to turn this page into a theme. I could use it as I am considering using your “template” for a Neil Gaiman novel later this school year. (with your permission of course)