Ok, it's one little baby step.

Last night, the students read "The Veldt," by Ray Bradbury and wrote a short reaction to the story in their blog. I had just introduced the blogs two days ago, helped them set up an account, and showed them how to post.

I had spent time commenting on each of their posts as they popped up online last night and this morning, but I still wondered if this would work as I had hoped.

"So, I've read your posts about the story. Some of you said you were confused and others nailed the idea about technology and alienation. Would anyone like to share a post?" I asked

A minute of quiet, and then one student said:
"No, but I was reading Aaron's, and I think he's got some great ideas!"

"You were reading Aaron's?" I asked, smiling. Aaron is in another section of English, but this student had decided to browse other blogs. He'd found one he thought grasped the theme.

"Absolutely," I said. "Let's take a look at Aaron's and then we'll share some of yours."

I love this. Reading, sharing….now I just need to remind them to comment on Aaron's post!!

It's a beginning.