Starting Video with your Class

Plan a short video that involves your entire class. A good one is the “Annoying Student” video where while the teacher drones on with a pointless lecture, students are engaged in a number of very annoying actions (fixing makeup, sharpening pencil, passing notes, etc). Any type of short video will be sure to get everyone involved by sharing camera work and giving lines and key scenes so that each student has a part.

Below is a list of ideas that work for implementing video into your school.

School Projects – take your camera along on field trips and special activities. Film assemblies, talent shows, plays, and sporting events. Put together a short 2-4 minute video to give the flavor of each event. Use video to show off what happens inside the school. A video tour of your school is a great thing to show new and entering students.

Class Activities – as above take short clips of your class working on projects or taking part in some activity. Add music and you have a great video collage to show at open house.

Class Projects – make video an option for some of your more involved class projects. Let students create their own video to show important learnings and skills. Once it gets started everyone will want in. Create authentic scenes with costumes and props give students outlets for some of the neglected “intellegences” – add music, sound and foley effects. Make sure that any project video is planned and shot at least one week prior to due date.

Service – take on projects as a “service”. Make videos for other teachers or groups – PTA, Clubs, Band, Choir, and Parent Groups.

"How To" – teachers can use this to show how to do something in your classroom. Show steps for a lab or other activity. You can also show “how to”: play the guitar, ride a unicycle, juggle... the list is endless.

Check out a video from the Video Library!