Video Project Day 2

Day 2 of video project was not as positive as day 1.  Today the work needed to be done.  While some groups were motivated and efficient, others sat around staring at each other for awhile.  To help, I always tell students they are only allowed to film at home or during class time.  They can not film during study hall as that tends to be more of a distraction than anything else.  To help students use time wisely and make the most professional film, we talked about

Effective use of Time:

• Only take 2-3 shots of each scene.  This will keep you on track rather than spending the entire time laughing about one scene.
• Tomorrow you can look at videos and decide on retakes.
• Do not delete anything you tape as you may use in the end

Professional Films:

• Without proper equipment and professional actors, videos can look bad.  Be creative in the way or what you film
• Example: if you are running, just video the feet rather than the whole body.
• Focus on the positive not negative.  Most students wanted to have a student running in the hall and they show that student being told not to run.  Instead, have the student walking and modeling the proper way rather than drawing attention to the negative.
• Use the knowledge of others:  If you are not witty or not sure what to say, use what others have said by looking on google for quotes about your topic.
• Do not plan for a written word for word script.  This will take too long and will not be used anyways.

After the project I plan to have the students create a reflection which is what most of their grade for this project will be based on.  The reflection will focus on what went well and what they would do differently if done again.

Make Some History

Students were giving the task today to create a video that is inspiring to the audience, explains class expectations, and focuses on telling students to BE _____?______.  We modeled this off of Kid President video to students and teachers.  As soon as the groups started, students were motivated.  We also used google to help brainstorm ideas by typing in words and looking for quotes or images. For example, a group typed in Respect and they really liked the quote: "Seek Respect, not Attention!  It lasts longer."   Through this lesson we also talked about word choice which will lead into how to do close readings.  If a student used the word fun, they needed to think about how to be more specific.  We also talked about how to tie it all together.  Start with something more general that relates to the main BE ____ word.  Then give examples or quotes to inspire.  End with the bang: Be _____!  I am excited to see how they turn out.  For the last couple of years I have wanted to have students find quotes that are inspiring.  This was able to accomplish that easily without simply giving the assignment of "Your assignment is to find a quote that you like."  A 21st century way of having students determine classroom expectations!  When videos are done, we will be posting QR codes in the hall and classroom walls that students can look at as they have time or throughout the year for some motivation.  I love when a project really comes together to bring out so many skills that one worksheet or assignment could have never done.  Students are working together, brainstorming, planning, doing close readings of quotes, becoming inspired, inspiring others, displaying personalities and personal interests, setting expectations for the classroom, using specific word choice, and much more.  If you are interested in more about this lesson, feel free to send me an email.