Ready...And...Action!

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.

Imagine...moving from students' pencil and paper drawings to students' photographs to students' writing to students videos and a great possibility in creating class movies.

The school location is a major part of its story. It is located in one of the poorest congressional districts in the nation. It is the only school in the district which draws its entire general education population from housing projects. There has been an exodus of working class families and an influx of immigrants. Most of the parents are on public assistance and do not have jobs. Most of them are from a single family homes with other siblings. In spite of these obstacles, they seem eager to learn and move to the next grade. When video taping several activities and projects given as independent/group/class assignments, students tended to be more alert, enthusiastic, and very creative. When students were allowed to watch the tape, they were able to critique themselves and others by stating what they can do to make there performance better for the next time. I was very surprised of the outcome of the first video I did with my class last year. This year with a new class I just can't wait to see their faces when we are able to start turning our videos into movies.

Wow, what a program! I have experienced a teacher's website who uses this program on a regular basic with her class. Videos are made in which the scenes are captured onto the computer and edited using the software program called Pinnacle Studio. I am convinced that this program will extend my students' learning. How? Students will have to write scripts and work together to display their knowledge in a creative way which are both benefits of movie-making in the classroom. The movie-making process will help students understand, reinforce, and review new concepts in which they are able to make creative movies to enhance their ability to write interesting stories. The final movies can be burned on DVD and sent home with students as traveling DVDs to share with their families and friends. This program can serve as a tool that can have a lasting affect on students for years to come.

You will make it possible for my students to become more confident, creative and knowledgeable in all subject areas in which this program is used, but furthermore enjoying being a movie star even if it is only for that day.