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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25 comments

  1. Denise!!!!!!!!!! I love this idea! I must do it next year. Pinning! Thanks so much and tell your hub thanks, too!

    Megan
    Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade

    Mrs. Wheeler's TPT

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    1. Megan!!! It really was fun. I can't wait to show it to my kids next year :)

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  2. That video turned out absolutely fantastic! I love that idea! Tell your husband I'm stealing it too!
    Rowdy in First Grade

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  3. Loved the video your kiddos made! What a fantastic idea! I am going to try it out next year. Mine may end up being more of a comedy...you never know what a kindergartner might say...lol. I guess you and I feel the same way about our coffee! Thanks so much for sharing.

    ~Laura
    Luv My Kinders

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    1. I would love to see one made by kinders - that would be adorable!

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  4. Such a cute video and idea! Recurring theme: Do things right or Mrs. Boem gets cranky, lol! I'll be sharing on FB, thanks!
    FlapJack Educational Resources

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    1. Right? I'm not that cranky! (or at least I didn't think so. lol!)

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  5. The video is so cute!! I can't wait to do this next year!!
    Rachel
    A Tall Drink of Water

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  6. This may be the most precious thing I have seen in a while! Thanks to you {and the hubs} for sharing your creativity!

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  7. SO cute! I loved the "props"--and the coffee cup part made me laugh. I used to have my students write letters to the incoming class, but I like this idea so much better... and I know the kids would like it better too! Thanks for sharing your Bright Idea... Can't wait to try it!

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

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    1. Thank you, my friend! It was the perfect way to meaningfully fill those last few days that draaag on!

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  9. Now this is the CUTEST! Love!!

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    1. Thanks Lana! Watching it really makes me miss my kids!

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  10. Brilliant! I wish I could go back and time and use this at the end of this school year, ah well, next year!

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    1. I know. I really wish I could have gotten it done to share before school got out, but you know how crazy the end of the year gets. I'll share it again next year in May as a reminder. :)

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  11. This is such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing!

    Tessa

    Tales from Outside the Classroom

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  12. Oh. My. Gosh. This is perhaps the BEST idea ever! It is precious! That video made me want to join your class! But hey, we are neighbors, so maybe I'll stop by sometime. LOL :) Thanks for the wonderful idea!

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  13. Such a wonderful ideas! Pinning it for next year!

    Mallory
    Sprinkles for the Teacher

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  14. So adorable!! Great idea and you can tell how much your kiddos think you are fantastic! :)

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  15. That video was adorable! I'll definitely need to keep in mind for next spring!

    Kristin
    Teaching In A Nutshell

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  16. I love this idea!!! My class this past school year would have been perfect for this. I'm definitely going to try this next year. Thanks so much for sharing!
    Lori
    Learning By The Seashore

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