I recently edited a short video for Mrs. McLaughlin in 5th grade. 5th grade teachers must all make a movie with their classrooms to meet their CIP (continuous improvement plan). For some this was a first. I asked Mrs. McLaughlin to share with us about what she learned from this experience.
This movie was shot as one part of a fifth-grade-wide project for rising fifth graders. Our grade-level team decided to film short movies to show the present fourth -graders some of the things that they can expect to learn and do when in the fifth grade. The other fifth-grade language arts classes will cover other aspects of fifth grade. Our topic was science.
My class spent three language arts periods producing this movie. Two days were spent planning and writing, and one day was spent filming this short movie. Students brain-stormed topics, wrote the short scripts, made or brought in all props, and starred in the movie.
The students learned to take a large topic, "What I learned in 5th Grade Science", and break it into main ideas and supportive details. They used all aspects of language- writing, speaking, listening, reading, and non-verbal communication with acting and props.
I learned a little more of the mechanics of a digital movie camera, that the students really did enjoy and remember many "big ideas" of our science curriculum, and that fifth-graders love to perform!
I would suggest to other teachers regarding in-house videos to pack an extra dosage of patience on filming days. Students may get excited and enthusiastic which can sometimes slow down the filming process, but it also makes it fun! I would love to make more movies, because the children really love it and are actively engaged in the project. I need to learn a whole lot more of the camera operations and editing process.
I filmed the entire movie. I felt a huge responsibility for the camera itself and was hesitant to put it into a student's hands. If it is allowed, I'd love to see what a creative student could do in a future project.
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