Blogging is a very popular way for adults to give and share information and opinions. Naturally, this would be a great tool for children as well. Kid Blog gives educators an easy, simple tool that allows them to enable their students to manage their own blogs. The application is designed to be safe for elementary and middle school students. Teachers can give students the opportunity to create and manage their own blog. They can add posts and participate in discussions with other students. The teacher maintains control over the entire process so the students remain away from the dangers that often come with being online. Logging in is made simple and there is no advertising on the site. A central blog directory allows students to quickly access blogs posted by their classmates. Along with sharing information and participating in discussions, students can also hone their typing skills and become more effective computer users through Kid Blog.

Visit kidblog.org

Kid Blog was founded in 2007. The site’s creator brought a background of nearly 20 years of web development and classroom teaching experience, which went far in helping Kid Blog to become as effective as it is. The Kid Blog team is based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Blogs are not unique by any stretch. Kid Blog, however, isn’t just a blog but one intended for teachers and students. This alone makes the application stand out. Teachers are provided with all the tools they need to monitor student use and keep young eyes away from the dangers that sometimes lurk on the internet. Students can perfect their typing skills while holding discussions and making blog posts on Kid Blog.

The Kid Blog website uses an appealing orange and blue color scheme, highlighted by the cartoon-esque pencil and paper icon. Playful lettering entices younger users along with the realistic loose leaf paper background. The entire site is well organized, while retaining an element of youthful appeal that works well given the purpose of the application.

Teachers can begin using Kid Blog by creating a class. This can be done by clicking either “Create a Class” link found at the top and middle, right hand side of the Kid Blog homepage. The registration form asks for a username, password, email address, class name and verification code entry (to verify that the user is human). A note at the bottom of the form advises the user that by submitting their information, they are automatically agreeing to the Kid Blog terms of service.

The cost of Kid Blog is just another reason to use this valuable learning tool. A teacher can create a classroom on Kid Blog for free. There are no subscription fees or per student charges for accessing Kid Blog. All the user has to do is create an account and they can begin managing their class blogs. The site does not offer a premium paid membership at this time with no indication that any will be added later on.

Kid Blog is a great way to acclimate children to the online environment without risking their safety. Students can also participate in conversations which are overseen by the teacher. The safe design and basic blog function of Kid Blog make it an excellent learning tool for young students.

• Allow students to create their own blogs
• Encourage class room discussions online through Kid Blog
• Search for class mates through the central Kid Blog database
• Add multiple users including students, teachers and moderators
• Give students a place to find a voice online

Visit kidblog.org

Kidblog.org video