Here are some guidelines we have created to help you write and structure your blog in a way that will make it more accessible and relevant to readers.
Structuring your blog posting
A well structured blog posting will catch the readers' attention, and make them want to read what you have to say. You can help do this if you follow these tips:
Give the blog posting a title that will catch the reader’s eye. This is the first thing they see and will help them decide if it is of interest to them.
Put the main point in the first paragraph. This is the first thing readers see and it will make them want to read on.
Put the details in the following paragraphs of your posting - make very short paragraphs and you can quote from interesting people if it applies.
Finally in the last part of the posting add the background information on you with your name.
Writing style
Try to write in a friendly and informal style. Use first person ‘I’ and try to include reference to your own experiences. Think about your readers and what they can learn from your experience.
Try to describe rather than tell e.g. instead of saying you thought a book was great, try to explain why you enjoyed it and what you learned from it.
Try to engage your reader and ask for their response to what you have written underneath.
Always be polite, respectful of other cultures and opinions, and informative.
Things to avoid
Always try to avoid being negative. If there is something you don’t like, then it’s better just to not write about it.
It’s important to raise issues, but don’t try to impose your beliefs on others.
Don’t include links to commercial sites or resources.
Don’t include links to inappropriate materials.
Never give specific names, places, addresses or contact details.
Content topics
It’s always best to write about something you know and are enthusiastic about. For example:
Reflections Write about what you have done or read, any new ideas you have tried out, any problems you have had and how you resolved them, any insights you gained, good resources you tried out.
Recommendations for articles, books, websites that you have read or found useful. You should be sure to include information about how you use these and how they helped you understand something, any possible problems that occurred.
Reflections on projects you are involved in, such as action research, school magazines, drama projects etc. You can describe the project and its aims, what you’ve learned from the project, what the next steps are etc.
Go to the following webpage to view an example of how to set up a blog. You may need to copy and paste into a new browser.
https://marinemadness.blog/2021/05/17/six-ways-you-can-help-save-the-oceans/
Use the following link to create your own blog. You may know another program in which you are also free to use.
Draft blog: In this activity I would like you to write a 300 word blog about a snorkelling or diving experience you have had in the past. Imagine you are a young enthusiastic traveller who needs to earn a little bit of cash to float from place to place. You have a brain wave and decide to create a blog of your experiences throughout the world, in particular your snorkelling adventures. If you have not been snorkelling before use the Great Barrier Reef Journey for inspiration.
Write about your experiences in a word document and upload it in the section below. This will be your draft copy. Next lesson we will create the website for your blog.
Make sure you read the tips and tricks on how to write a good blog above before starting.
Go the the website above and create your blog. You may want to send your draft to a friend for them to read over and edit. If you publish other people around the world can view so do not click publish. Only use the draft section do not publish unless you are going to start blogging on a regular basis and have permission from your parents. Do not make negative comments on any student work. Appropriate use of technology is important as your digital footprint is there forever.
I woild like access to view your webpage at the end of the lesson.