What else can I have on my blog?
This post is day 17 of 20 days to better blogging with children and considers the use of widgets on blogs.
A widget is a a chunk of code that adds content to a page. Usually the content is not static. For example, on the right hand side of this blog I have several widgets, some static and some not. The Kidderlit and Clustr map are examples of widgets that are not static. They change as new readers visit or as a new first line of a book is shared. The link to Weboword and the Edublogs badge are examples of static widgets.
These are not trivia but are important parts of a blog. They tell you a lot about what the writer is interested in and what they want you to know about their blog.
Some of my favourite widgets are:
Where in the world
- ClustrMaps – this shows where your readers are from
- Whos.amung.us – gives us a map of our readers like ClustrMaps but has flashing points for readers who are reading the blog at that time. This widget will also give you some reader stats.
- Feedjit will tell you where your readers are from when they click on your blog.
Time
- A nice range of clocks here, although not all are suitable for young children
- Showing the time in a variety of different ways is very popular. Have a look at ClockLink
Other Fun Items for Children
- Name and adopt a pet – pointless but lovely! Try clicking on her.
- Kidderlit gives you the first line of children’s fiction. Great for sentence level work and for wondering what genre and whether it hooks you in.
- Voki is my favourite if they get through your filters
If you use Edublogs then Sue Waters explains clearly about widgets and how to put them onto your blog.
What are your favourite widgets?
July 11th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I took the Kidderlit widget off during the week, and replaced it with a Reading Rockets widget. My target blog audience is parents interested in encouraging their kids to read, write and create, and I think Reading Rockets has such a wealth of help in that area. The widget takes them to articles grouped as “tips for parents of toddlers”, “tips for parents of first graders” etc.
I love visuals, so one of my favourites is the Near Circle widget. It presents tiny pics of the people who are in your near circle group(s). You can create your own group, and invite others to join.
[Reply]