Three Simple Rules for Blogging OR How I almost burned my chicken!

Most people I talk with about blogging love the idea of blogging. They love reading other blogs. They usually say they would like to try blogging with their class, or blogging personally. But they are worried, usually about two things...

"I don't know what to blog about." 

"How will I find the time?"

My advice: be kind to yourself. The best time to blog is whenever you get around to it! Personally, I try to blog once a week- that's the goal I set for myself. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Some weeks I have a lot to say! If setting a goal helps you, fabulous. But don't worry about it. Whether or not you blog is a small thing in the grand scheme of life!

My friend Tracy and I were chatting on Facebook the other day about this topic when she shared that she had a blog but hadn't been writing much lately. "Don't worry about it!" I said. Then, I shared my rules for blogging. They're so simple, but they really cover everything.

1. Blog when you're inspired.
2. Size does not matter!
3. Tweet when you blog.

This tweet inspired this post!

Blog when you're inspired...

Inspiration is everywhere! Blog when you see something, read something, or experience something that you can't wait to share! Here are some things that might help light your fire:

• Take pictures (they help you remember details and you can add them to your post) A snapshot of student work is a great place to start!
• Get on Twitter!  Twitter is a Teacher Super Power by Jo-Ann Fox is a great post to read if you're new to Twitter.
• Read other blogs. You might be inspired by the topic or the format of a blog post you read. If you're inspired by another blog, write about it and include a shout out to the blogger in your post.
• Blog about books. What have you read lately?
• Write about anything. Read, Write, Reflect is one of my favorite blogs, and one of the reasons I LOVE it is that Katherine writes about everything- books, her classroom, and even her dog.
• Write about your day. Seriously! Yesterday I had the craziest day ever. I was so excited to write about it that I almost burned my chicken! (I kept adding minutes to the timer so I could finish my post!)

Size does not matter...

Neither does shape. There are no rules about how long your post should be or what it should look like.

• Images: Try just a picture with a caption, a short paragraph, or a quote.
• Video: Our TK teacher made digital videos using Photopeach and added one sentence. Done.
• Write a poem! It doesn't have to rhyme. I do this from time to time. (That does rhyme!) The thing that matters is that YOU like it. 
• Make a list-- top ten lists are one idea, or 5 things about... anything. This post is about three rules. It's really a list when you look at it closely.
• If you have a lot to say, write it. It feels good to get your ideas out, even if no one ever reads them. (Someone usually does.)

Tweet when you blog!

Once you're done with your post, share it on Twitter! People will read your blog, and share it with others. If I didn't tweet out the link to my posts, I think my mom might be the only one to read it! So hop on Twitter and share! While you're there, don't forget to add a hashtag-- #caedchat will reach California educators, or #nerdybookclub will get your post seen by some of the most passionate readers on the planet. There are also grade level hashtags if you are seeking that audience-- #1stchat, #kinderchat and more.

Happy blogging! I can't wait to read your posts!