Filming for deeper meaning...

Having students create and edit video has many implications. As a library media specialist, my work with students in understanding and enjoying literature can be greatly enhanced. I have students do several book talks throughout the year. The talks follow a formula that can get a bit routine. There are several ways I can think of that can make book talks more meaningful:

• Students can film each other giving their talk in order to critique their presentation.
• Students could locate pictures/and or video clips that lead to deeper levels of understanding when presenting their story.
• Student can shoot original video, acting out scenes from the story.
• Students can film interviews with people who are reacting to the story.

When going through the process of using film editing skills, students are pushed to higher levels of thinking and deeper levels of understanding. Editing film slows down the process of creating a product and causes kids to make deliberate choices in getting their point across. The result is a richer presentation that will have more meaning to the creator and the audience.