B
logging about Current Events
in the
Language Arts Classroom
(with TweenTribune.com)
The Project
In Mrs. Brandon’s classes we will continue to focus on improving our writing skills.
Students will be reading and responding to real current events happening in the world
around them. We will be reading news articles from a website called Tween- Tribune
(http://tweentribune.com/.) On this site, students will read a variety of high-interest
articles on different topics. It is an engaging way to get students to read newspaper
articles.
Where Blogging Comes In
Tween-Tribune also allows a student to write a comment based on how they feel about
what is going on with current events. It is a great way for students to think critically
about what they just read. Students are given an authentic reason for making
connections to the article, asking questions, expressing their feelings about the article
and summarizing the article’s contents. All of these are important reading strategies
that have been focused on in language arts this year.
How it Works
If you allow your child to read and blog a response, they will be assigned a username
and password. They will sign in to the website to read an article. They will read through
comments made by other students. Then, they will write their own personal reaction to
the article for others to read.
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Once your child writes his/her comment, the comment is e-mailed to Mrs. Brandon. It
cannot be posted without being reviewed first by me. This ensures that all
comments are appropriate for school and respectful to others. Once I read and approve
your child’s comment, I will allow it to be posted on the article’s blog along with the
comments of other young readers.

Alternate Assignment
There is an alternate assignment for students not participating in the “Current Events
Blog.” They will still get to read the on-line articles, but their comments will then be
written in a classroom journal (will not be as interactive).

Parents as Partners in the Learning Process
The Blogging About Current Events initiative will make you, as parents, a greater
partner in your child’s education. You will get to hear their comments on things
happening in the news! It will be an exciting endeavor for all. It will enhance your
child’s reading and writing skills and ignite in them an interest in current events!
Please complete the attached permission form so I will know if your child will be allowed
to be a part of the Blogging About Current Events initiative this academic year.
I look forward to hearing and sharing your thoughts throughout this blogging process.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Brandon
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Parent/Guardian Permission Form
for The Blogging About Current Events initiative
Please check the appropriate box and return to Mrs. Brandon no later than
Wednesday, September 17, 2014.
Yes, I give permission for my child to participate in the Current Events blog. I
understand that all my child’s comments cannot be posted without teacher
approval. In addition, students have complete security.
No, I do not give permission for my child to participate in the Current Events
blog. I would prefer them to do the alternate journal writing assignment.
Child’s Name: ___________________________
Parent Name: ___________________________
Parent Signature: ________________________
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Date: _______