Pequannock Valley Middle School

Pompton Plains, New Jersey, USA

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Book Blogging Is Beneficial

Students at Pequannock Valley Middle School discuss character education issues raised by reading books such as The Misfits by James Howe and through the use of literature blogs. These blogs allow students to contribute anonymously using a tool with which they feel comfortable. The blog is secure and students’ identities are known only to their teacher, creating a feeling of security and fostering a deeper and more open discussion than is usually possible in the classroom setting. Students reflect, discuss, and identify negative behaviors and are able to apply the life choices and ethical issues that are explored in their literature assignments to their own lives the choices they have made. Respectful behavior towards others, active learning, as well as ways to prevent negative behaviors are practiced during blogging, adding to the students “sense of belonging” as well as individual and school character.