What I did in School Today: 4/24/13

First of all, happy birthday to my son Nathan, who turns 24 today.  (He loves the idea of turning 24 on the 24th.)  Nathan is finishing up his first year of teaching.  I guess it's in the blood.

At one of my schools we are preparing for our second annual film festival.  Each class will produce one short video.  In early June we will have an afternoon presentation of the films followed by an evening extravaganza.  We will adorn the halls with movie posters and decorations too wild to describe.

My involvement in the production in these films was very high last year, but teachers are taking more responsibility for all phases of their filmmaking this year.  Of course, I still offer assistance wherever I'm needed.

Today, I worked with a kindergarten class.  They are making a video version of their own "Pete, the Cat" book titled, "Pete the Cat Takes a Walk."  Each child has illustrated one page to go with his or her text.  They go something like this.  "Oh, no!  Pete has stepped in grapes.  Now his shoes are purple!"  We'll scan their pictures to insert into the video.  Today, I recorded each student saying their lines.  With the magic of Audacity, I was able to delete some wrong words and long pauses.  Recording kindergarteners and watching their faces as they hear their own voices is a priceless experience that I recommend to everyone.