Blogging: Blog Posting Starters

Sometimes it's difficult to get an activity or discussion started. Prompts, hooks, or other starters are helpful. The following ideas will hopefully generate ideas and encourage participation.

Start with a(n)...

Action. Use verbs to bring a posting alive. Start with an event, disaster, or other activity. Then ask a question.

The bus left the station at 3:00PM and the .... How could this happen?

Announcement. Then, suggest a reading.

We live in tornado country. Where would you go during a tornado?

Challenge. Challenge participants with a bold statement that might cause controversy such as one side of an argument or an opinion.

Regardless of what you think, being alone can be great!
Start with the perspective of a historical figure such as "patriots" or "loyalists"

Choice. Present options or choices then ask a question.

Which do you like best? Why?
Which of these songs would be the best theme music for our book?
Example: Make a Choice: It is fiction or nonfiction books you enjoy the most?
Example: Do you like to write factual paragraphs or original stories?

Current Event. Present a news item or important local or global event.

Today is Labor Day...

Definition. Provide a word and/or definition. Or, just a word and ask for a definition, illustration or example. Be sure to cite the source. Ask a question that requires a definition.

Has a troll ever visited your blog?
Example: Questioning Identity

Emotion or Feeling. Sleepy, dizzy, frantic, or happy... how does it feel?

I’ve never been so scared…
What makes you happy?
Example: How do you feel about bullying?
Example: What do you like?

shell

Experience. Share a personal experience or story about yourself. Connect it to the discussion or topic. If possible, include a photograph.

As I walked toward the rocky beach, I noticed tiny bumps covered the rocks. They were alive with tiny creatures. What do you think I saw?
I’ll never forget the tiny fingers on my baby sister’s hands.

Figurative Language. A simile (comparison such as or is), metaphor (comparison: this is like that), personification (giving a nonhuman, human qualities), hyperbole (exaggeration).

The washing machine always eats at least one sock.
The bowl of ice cream looked like a volcano erupting with chocolate and carmel.
Example (Elementary): Idioms Are Fun - share idioms

Opinion. Take a stand and start with an opinion.

Students should wear uniforms to school.
There should be an Oscar category for child actors.
Example: Who is king of the jungle?
Example (Elementary): Dress Code

Quote. The quote could be from a famous person, book, news article, or interview. Be sure to use quotation marks and credit the source.

Question. Focus on questions about a topic (i.e., main idea, connection to other learning), book or movie (i.e., character, plot, setting), or problem.

What would you do if you got lost in the mountains?
How you ever been caught in a lie?
Example: Can you describe this waterfall?
Example: What are you thankful for?
Example: What's the difference between Area and Perimeter?
Example: Do you have feelings that get in your way of being happy?
Example: What are the signs of spring Frog and Toad found?

Riddle or Puzzle. Provide the riddle or puzzle, then provide a reading to help solve the problem.

What’s the …Knock knock …If I were a …
Example: Book Riddles

Scenario. As readers to imagine a situation. Consider starting with dialog or conversation.

Kate was standing in from of Walmart when she noticed...
Example: Remember when we talked about...?
Example: Imagine a world where...

Statement. Start with some background information that clarifies an issue or focuses attention on a topic.

Statistic. How many or how much? Present a shocking statistic or one that people might question. Consider presenting this information in the form of a chart or graphic.

Blank number of people are killed every year by blank.
Example: 1 in 4 children have a mobile phone. Should 10 year olds have phone?

Surprise. Begin with a shocking or amazing piece of information.

You're not going to do any writing for this assignment. Instead, you're going to share your idea in the form of a .... photograph, question, chart, etc.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, or How. Start with a "W" or "H" related to a specific character, problem, or event.

Why did Sue choose to join the science club?
Example: Tumbleweed Stew

Some of the starters were adapted from the following postings: Blissful Blogging and Blogheads, Kim's Korner: Types of Leads.

Learn More

For more ideas on writing in blogs.

Diarist.net - a comprehensive starting point for online journal writing
Soul Food Cafe - make writing your daily practice; visual journal lounge
Writing the Journal - online journal writing workshop