Why did you start blogging?
Teachers are tapping in to the online lesson plan ideas and their blog is their platform. That’s part of the reason of why I started. I have (or I like to think I have) good ideas that I would like to share with other teachers. The blogging community amongst teachers is like nothing I have ever experienced. I have met smart, motivated amazing teachers.
Being at Blogher has been inspirational because of all the voices that have been exposed from behind the computer screen. I think so many of us focus on product promotion that we forget our voices as educators as we type away. As educators, we are exposing our ideas and creativity that takes place in our classrooms.
When we spend all of our time pushing products on each other, under-valuing our work, and complaining…our voices are heard. You are a reflection of your articulation and beliefs that you write about on your blog.
Should you promote you amazing products that you have worked tirlessly on for hours and hours? Of course you should. I do. That is not all that I post about because I enjoy the writing part. But remember, you have a voice behind those products. You have a classroom where those ideas come alive. You don’t need to push yourself on to others if you are passionate about what is happening in your classroom and your life. People will come to you. Do not limit yourself because there are so many other opportunities out there if you are a passionate about your platform.
What is my voice?
I thought about this in depth last night after listening to the key note speakers at Blogher.
I would like to think my voice is humor, heart-felt, and helpful.
Unintentionally, all “h” words…
For new bloggers (teacher or not) you need to decide what you are passionate about and how your ideas will set you apart. If you have never thought about your voice, maybe it’s time to start!
What is your voice?
Awesome post! I felt very impowered while reading your encouraging words! Great job!! :o)
Whitney Grantham
Miss Bunny’s Hoppenings
I’ve been thinking about the same thing! I feel with all the linkys, giveaways, and things, I’ve strayed from the real purpose of my blog. Thanks for articulating this so well!
Sara
Polka Dot Kinders
Thanks for posting this. I have really felt annoyed and frustrated with the amount of selling and pushing and maximizing followers (which I’m totally guilty of too). But I feel saturated. Just recently, I’ve unfollowed those blogs, instagrams and facebook accounts that make me feel like I”m supposed to BUY and not learn or experience.
Thanks again,
Vera
Hi Elizabeth,
I love reading posts that are all about real lessons and activities that have happened in other bloggers classrooms, seeing what’s worked and what didn’t and collecting creative ideas. I must admit that some blogs I follow have been nothing but product promotion (which is ok) – but the products I buy are always from bloggers who have given an honest insight into their classroom through other posts. I feel like I know those girls and can trust their products because I ‘know’ their teaching style.
I’d like to hope that I have a voice in my writing style that allows others have a peek inside my classroom and maybe steal an idea or two from me as well. 🙂
Lauren
Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep!
I am newer to blogging and I hope that I will be able to bring my classroom alive to my followers. It has been a neat experience reading what other teacher bloggers have to say this summer. But I do agree, that a lot of the summer has been spent with linkys, giveaways and promotions. I know I’m very guilty, but partly because I felt like I had to “keep up with the Jones.” I have too much to say in a comment…I’m going to write a post…please come check out how your motivation has helped me transform my posts! 🙂
Christin
Shifting Teacher K-2