Blogging
George Couros’ recent blog, 4 Ideas to Help You Start a Blog and Write Consistently resonated with me. I can’t but help concur with both his final comment, “Blogging has been one of the best, if not the best thing I have done (sic.) my professional (and sometimes personal) growth in my career.” and his four key points*. With regard to his four key points:
1. It doesn’t have to be a college essay*.
I have come to embrace the reality that sometimes I am inspired to write long, erudite posts based on the reading of multiple books and articles and at other times, a post is short and sweet and more personal in nature. This is most evident when contrasting my May 2, Diversity + Privilege post and last week’s post, Summer vacation is finally here!
2. You can reference other work or articles in your post and share a few short ideas.*
This post is a case in point.
3. Focus more on consistent release times, not on blogging all of the time.*
I started blogging back in May 2016. I tended to write as and when I felt inspired or felt I had something to share. As a result, my posts were few and far between. In both 2016 and 2017, I wrote a total of sixteen blogs - an average of one every six weeks. I appreciated an April 2018 Skype conversation with William D. Parker who, amongst other comments, reiterated to me the importance of posting regularly. I took his advice to heart and, as of May 2018, have committed to blogging and post every Thursday morning (California time).
4. Find a blog buddy.*
I have a circle of close friends who read and give me feedback on my blog posts. This feedback focuses on content and delivery as well as suggestions for future posts. In turn, I read a number of blog posts and appreciate the insight they provide in terms of content, delivery, and more.
I regularly share my thoughts on areas of particular interest including, but not limited to, Admissions, Leadership, Learning Differently, School Culture, Social Justice, and Third Culture Kids (TCKs). In terms of blog topics, I have some vague ideas for future posts. I use Google Keep (see image above) to keep a list of topics of interest and websites, articles etc.,. and to list possible dates for posting as well as blogs already posted. I do not, however, religiously stick to what is on the list as my interest and/or inspiration may change depending on various factors. * After the horrific events in New Zealand in March, I was not at all inspired to write a long blog post, and felt that an image and short post, entitled Humanity, was most apt to share.
* Some weeks ago, I could not help - as I struggled to anchor my thoughts - but think of students who struggle to get thoughts on paper within a set time frame in the classroom. I realized that my designated time to post was approaching fast, but that which I had drafted was not good enough to post as it lacked clarity. Then suddenly I recalled an article a friend had shared. While it is not education related per se, it seemed apt to share The Cockroach Management Theory which, as I wrote in conclusion, “... serves to remind one of the importance of responding, and not reacting ...”
* This week, I had intended to write a different post. However, reading Couros’ post inspired me to reflect upon and write briefly about my experience of the blogging process.
My biggest takeaways from blogging is to trust the process, let ideas percolate and - knowing there is no right or wrong - blog!
I encourage you, if not doing so already, to share your learning, your ideas through blogging.
