Tips for Creating Awesome Classroom Videos

    There are awesome ways for kids to get engaged when watching educational videos. Some students will be bored while others will be very entertained. I will be talking about ways for the kids to stay entertained and enjoy the videos. The first one is "Just Do it! PG. 16" I've heard that the biggest hurdle for teachers using video is the pressure to make it perfect – you know, seamless transitions, cool background music, and no "ums" or "uhs." But honestly, I think that's the wrong approach. Like Stock says, "no video is ever truly perfect. My students would find something to critique even if I spent hours polishing it. So, my strategy is to keep it simple. I just pull out my phone and start recording. I don't stress about getting it exactly right on the first try. I give myself three takes, and if it's still not perfect, I just go with it. Minimal editing, too." The important thing is to get the information across and connect with my students, not to create a cinematic masterpiece. I've found that even imperfect videos can be incredibly helpful in the classroom.

    The second one is "Keep It Simple PG. 16" A good starting point for incorporating video into teaching is with daily announcements, as they are straightforward and low-stakes. Another suggestion is to record frequently repeated content – those lessons delivered over and over with minimal changes. For example, Stock creates videos addressing common grammar errors he sees in student assignments and then posts a QR code in the classroom for easy student access. A third simple idea is to record read-alouds of assigned books. Stock has found this helps struggling readers improve their fluency, while also encouraging stronger readers to slow down and focus on comprehension.

    The third last one is "Create a Personal Connection PG. 17" Mr. Stock understands the power of a personal touch, especially when communicating with parents and students. Beyond his regular weekly text newsletters keeping families informed about classroom happenings, he often incorporates short videos to add a more engaging dimension. These videos serve a dual purpose. Before the school year even begins, Mr. Stock creates introductory videos to welcome his incoming students, offering a friendly face and easing any first-day jitters. During the school year, he supplements his text newsletters with video summaries, providing a more dynamic recap of classroom activities. This visual connection, he finds, bridges a gap that text alone can't. Parents often arrive at conferences feeling as though they already know him, having seen and heard him speak through the videos. Mr. Stock believes, significantly contributes to building strong home-school connections and fostering a more comfortable and collaborative environment for everyone involved.