Click “Layout” in the left-hand menu. Here you see the different elements of your blog. You can edit things here as you like, or you can leave them as-is.
In the circled region on the right are the “gadgets” in your sidebar. This is where you can add boxes that make your blog more appealing and useful. Here are some of the better ones and what they do:
- Follow By Email – allows a reader to enter their email address and then receive an email whenever you update your blog
- Pages – if you create additional pages for your blog, you can list them here so readers can find them
- Search Box – allow readers to search for terms or keywords in any of your posts
- Text – you can add a static text message; this might be good for your contact information or your availability for after-school help
- Image – add a picture
- Slideshow – add a slideshow that includes multiple pictures
- Poll – survey readers
- Blog List – include a list of other blogs you like, maybe other teachers’ classroom blogs
- Link List – include a list of websites; perhaps useful resources for your class
- List – include a list of items; anything you like
- Labels – if you label individual posts, this gadget displays the labels you’ve used and lets readers filter posts and search for a label
- Profile – information about you, including contact information (New blogs have this automatically added.)
- Blog Archive – this lets readers go back and find blog posts from previous months or years (New blogs have this automatically added.)
You can change titles or options for any of your gadgets by clicking on the word "Edit" in the lower-right corner of the gadget in the layout above. From your "public" blog screen, if you are signed in, you'll see a small "tool" icon on each gadget, which will also let you edit the gadget. To remove a gadget entirely, click on the word "Edit", then click "Remove" in the options box that opens up.
