Using Blogging in the Classroom

I am a 6th grade language arts teacher, in learning more about different technology I have though of many ways of using blogging in the classroom. One particular way I would like to use blogging in my classroom is through discussion of novels being read. What better way to interact with your peers about a novel than through blogging. I would use this in my lesson plan as a critical thinking skill. I would ask my students a question about the reading for the week and have them post their thoughts and opinions. For example if we are reading Tuck Everlasting, I could ask the students to put themselves in Tuck's place and explain what they would do in his situation. This would be a very resourceful tool in my classroom. Since we are at the end of the year, it would be a great way to end the year with my students.