Me And My Squidoo

Millennium Mommy has gone Squidoo on you! Squidoo: SKWID-OO, n. v., adj., addiction. 1) thousands of people creating a hand built catalog of the best stuff online 2) a free and fun way to make your own page 3) a place to find what you're looking for, fast.

So that's it in a nut shell.

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Blogs Teach Kids Lessons

I know I post a lot on kids safty on the internet but I saw this article on lessons tought by blogging. My son just resantly started his own blog and I can see the lessons working. Give it a try!
Blogs for Kids
by Sharon Housley

Flush out the writer in children. Blogging could draw out a young writer and open doors to their future. Consider encouraging your child to start blogging!

Children love having an audience. The instant recognition and approval that comes from a crowd just can't be beat. Employing blogs to help develop good spelling habits, grammar skills, and develop a love for writing at a young age is an innovative concept that has potential benefits:

Benefits
1.) Responsibility/Commitment - Daily Posts
Regular updates require children to be disciplined and responsible.

2.) Communication - Increased Communication with Friends and Relatives
Blogging or journaling gives children the opportunity to connect with relatives who might live some distance away, communicating important timely issues.

3.) Technology - Exposure to Internet Technologies
Children are growing into technology-laden world. Exposure to innovative Internet technology will help them with communication skills and résumé-building.

4.) Improved Writing Skills
When presented with an audience, children will want to present their "best" work.

5.) Improved Editing Skills
Proofreading is an important skill that is difficult to teach. Editing of daily entries will help children learn how to present their ideas clearly and professionally.

6.) Improved Spelling
Automated spell-checking helps children be aware of spelling errors when they occur.

7.) Typing
Getting children acquainted with keyboards at a young age will help them become familiar with their layout and function, quickly making them proficient typists.

Because blogging involves the Internet, parents and teachers should also take the opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of the Internet. The Internet is global in its reach and developing safe Internet habits at a young age is critical. Remind children not to disclose personal information including names, addresses or location of events they plan to attend.

Blog Basics For Kids

Just as you've taught your kids to be safe surfers, you may want to educate them about blogging and set some ground rules — much like completing driving school before hitting the road solo. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Establish rules for online use with your kids and be diligent.

Screen what your children plan to post before they post it. Seemingly innocuous information, such as a school mascot and town photo, could be put together to reveal where the author goes to school.

Be selective about the information you share in a blog. If you are uncomfortable knowing a stranger could see certain content, do not post it.

Evaluate the blogging service and find out if it offers private, password-protected blogs.

Save the web address of your child's blog and review it on a regular basis.

Check out other blogs to find positive examples for your kids to emulate.

12 safety tips on blogging for parents and kids