My Midterm Blog Reflection

During my blog beginnings, I knew I had to research facts, videos, and other resources to help me develop my blog. My method was to first start with the title of my blog, and thought that since I’m discovering many great children’s books, why not call my blog Discover Children’s Literature. Since I knew my audience, I definitely wanted them to discover my books, resources, and other important information.  My rationale behind my idea, is simply because my area of study, my focus, is in Early Childhood Education, so I wanted to create a fun blog centered around my interests where people or students can research any of my selected books and perhaps lead them on to different books as well. I believe allowing children to discover literature is beneficial toward their growth development, academic success, and personal interests. It’s very important to get children used to researching books and getting to know all of the reading resources we have on the Internet. I want my students to discover new books, just as I did!

As to describe what I did in my blog, I went on to Blogger in Google and was able to choose the theme that I wanted. Since my theme is Discover Children’s Literature, I was able to become creative with what color and what font I wanted to use. It was very simple once I learned how to add and delete certain things on the page. I didn’t have any failures, because I made sure everything I did was right and made sense, of course. Although, I have a lot to learn, this was a great start from me. I had made a blog prior to this Children’s Literature class, so making a blog was easier this time around- and learned a whole lot more! I can’t wait to learn more about blogging and how to become extra creative and imaginative. There are endless possibilities when creating a blog and sharing it with the world, especially, on a topic you love! When you first enter my webpage, you’ll see my title Discover Children’s Literature. Down to your left, you see several of my major highlights of my work, such as my Shelfari, my web links related to five of my favorite chapters mentioned, and of course the Children’s Literature chapter reviews based on The Joys of Children’s Literature book. I recommend this book to all present and future teachers wanting to learn more on children’s literature. It has amazing web links to so many helpful websites! You’ll see Kevin Henkes’ video, which is a must see for much needed motivation! On the far right, you’ll see my picture and a few details about me and at the top you’ll see All About Miss Marly, a storybird biography! Down below, you’ll see quotes Marly likes, Marly’s Favorite Books List, Goodreads, Reading Tip of the Day, and Struggling Readers! There’s also a Search Bar, just in case I have inspired you with ideas, have a book in mind, or perhaps you are interested in any of my book picks. Please explore my blog/webpage- I want it to help you just as much as it’s helped me.

My favorite part of the project was being able to design your own blog! I was able to put my creativity and imagination to work and I love a challenge. So, creating this blog helped me become more interested in creating more blogs in the near future. When I started this project I felt very motivated and anxious at the same time, because I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but honestly, it didn't take much of my time. I did however, want to take my time on the blog, since good first impressions of your work is very important! When I ended the project, I realized that I didn’t give myself much credit for my ideas and my work. I realized, however, that I am more than capable on handling any task with determination and finishing it well. I have a hard time starting a project, but once I’m on a roll, there’s no way in stopping me! The most challenging part of the project, was knowing when to start and how to start, especially, if you have never created a blog before. Luckily for me, I had already done a simple blog, so it wasn’t too hard, but this blog was more than work than I thought. I definitely had to research new ways on how to create a blog, especially a decent one. I was surprised to learn how to post videos, web links, and widgets! This was definitely new for me in this project, but once I knew how to do it, everything became easier. What surprised me most about myself in doing this project, was how good everything came out and how fast I finished my blog. I learned a lot of new things about myself! I learned that I am very determined and motivated when it comes to a task. I don’t like to waste time and thought, “why not work on my blog now rather than later?” As a reader, writer, learner, and teacher, I came to realize that the foundation to where our children start off reading is essentially in contexts of literature. What we say, what we write, and what we inspire to be right is all seen through the eyes of children and how we allow them the resources to explore their own individuality. With respect to technology, I was able to learn so many things and create so many choices that came with creating a blog. Technology allows you to become creative; to explore a world you never thought existed. Technology is imagination brought to life and within the creation of this blog- I appreciate it even more. The thought that no one helped me with this project it really important to me, because I usually ask for help and the fact that I didn’t ask for help makes me feel independent and that I can take on any task if I put my heart and brain to it.  I discovered many new resources that I think might benefit others, such as programs, websites, and videos. Resources help with research and developing new ideas. My blog is to create and inspire new ideas to those who want help and don’t know where to look. If I had to do this project all over again, I wouldn't. I wouldn't do anything differently, simply because I know that the information and resources I put on my blog are essential for children’s literature.  I will definitely explore new ways of doing things on the blog; I learned so much already! I can’t wait to learn more and what’s to come ahead in this day in age with so much technology and diversity! One thing that I’ll remember about this project is the fact that I took my time with it and how well it turned out, in my opinion. If I were to give someone advice with creating a blog, it would be to take your time with it and to focus on what you want and what audience you’re trying to capture. It all starts with one idea and one click away from Blogger. I would recommend looking at other blog sites for ideas and motivation! I am most proud how far I’ve come with technology because I am not considered a technology wizard- I wish I were! I cannot wait to learn more and be of assistance to others once I do become savvy with technology. I want to help those in need of help the most, whether it’s my family, friends, co-workers, or especially, my students.

Please enjoy my blog just as much I enjoyed creating it. Thanks!