Bright Idea: Make a video introduction for your new class

My husband is a busy man. He teaches in the computer lab full time and is also the tech guy for his school. Oh and he also designed and maintains the school website and does almost all their social media. I'm not quite sure how he does it. And he does some really cool things with his kids in the lab too! They don't just plug in and play games. One project he's been doing for a couple of years is to have each class record a video about their teacher. Then next year, he plays the video for each new class. I totally stole his idea this year. He's cool with it, though ;)

When I told my kids what were were going to do, they were all over it! It was a great end of the year project because it really kept them busy and focused during the last few days. First we brainstormed ideas together. We talked about the things they wish they would have known starting the school year. Then we grouped up and started working on a script.  I helped them a little bit so that each video didn't talk about my love for coffee and hatred for cockroaches.

We worked on memorizing our scripts and practicing in front of the class. I took a few practice videos to show them exactly why they had to speak up or slow down. We worked on really acting it out and adding emotion to what we were saying. These kids are FULL of personality, but for some reason once I started filming they got shy all of a sudden! I think I warned them too many times about taking it seriously. Next year, I think I'll lighten up on that part a bit so more of their natural personality comes through.

One more tip - I was really struggling to video the kids doing their part while the rest of the class was silent. Any small movements, whispers, or chairs scraping across the floor sounded SUPER loud and distracting in the video. I mentioned this to my fantastic teaching partner, and she offered to take my class while I filmed. I just called them into my room to film their part and was done in less than half an hour. So thankful for her!

Ok, so here's the final product! I think I'll show it to my new kids and their parents at the meet & greet we have before the first day of school. I know you're probably out of school for the year buy now (I hope!!) so you might have to tuck this idea away until next year.  Enjoy!

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