Final Video Reflection #2

Initially, I was really confused by the whole project, so I procrastinated...big time. Once I watched an example video and started working on it, however, I actually started having a lot of fun making it. I ended up completing it in a few hours the same night I started, and it was finished a day before the due date! The biggest trouble I had was getting all of my pictures and examples to match the perfect spot that I had my voice recordings at. Overall, though, I’m happy with the end result, but it probably could have been cleaner and maybe more exciting (topic-wise).

I probably won’t use this particular video in my classroom just because with students that young, it’s hard to keep them all focused on one thing at a time, especially something not so exciting, so it would most likely end in disaster. Plus, creating these types of videos takes a lot of time that new teachers usually don’t have.

I think a better video for me to make for second graders could be for using technology, since it is more relevant. For example, before they go to the computer lab for the first time, I could promote internet safety or something like that.

The benefits of using multimedia in the classroom are that it could really be helpful for using some differentiation in instruction. Sometimes it’s nice to change it up a bit. Although I said I probably wouldn’t use my personal video in my classroom, other YouTube videos could be helpful, depending on the subject. It also could be useful for substitutes, so they have at least some idea of what to teach. Instead of having to search though papers after papers for instructions, I could simply have links for him/her to click to view for the class.

Content Area Final Video Project

Updated Script (after peer comments)

Good Morning boys and girls! I’ll give you a second to get quiet, and then we’ll start. 

Today we will be learning about synonyms and antonyms. I know those are some large words! You probably haven’t heard those specific names, but I bet once I give you the definition you’ll say you know them! Are we ready? Alright! A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word. So they’re kind of like friends in that way. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word, like big and small. Now I know those names sound kind of silly and confusing, but I have a great way to help remember them. So, repeat after me, “Synonym-same! Antonym-opposite!” ready, go! (kids repeat). Great job, everyone, one more time! “Synonym –same! Antonym-opposite!”

Alright, now let’s try some examples. If I wanted to find a synonym for the word happy, what is another word I could use? (student: glad?) Yes, glad is a perfect example for that because glad and happy have the same meaning! Great job. Let’s try another. How about a synonym for the word sharp? (student: smart?) Well, that is an awesome answer, but you’re thinking of a different sort of sharp than I am. Actually, I was thinking of the other kind of sharp like… (student: pointy!) Yes, that’s great, if something is pointy, then it is also sharp! Wow, you guys are so awesome at this! Let’s do one more, just to be sure we have it. Here’s a harder one for you. What would be a synonym for the word estimate? (student: guess?) Yes, great job. A guess is the same thing as an estimate. Well done, everyone.

Let’s try some antonyms now. If I wanted to find an antonym for the word wet, what could I use? (student: dry). Yes, that’s exactly right because wet and dry mean the opposite of each other! What would be an antonym for the word hot? (student: cold!) Good, that one was easy because hot and cold are opposites. Antonyms are a little bit easier to think of because you just think about a word that means the opposite. How about we do just one more, since I think you are getting the hang of it quite well. What is an antonym for early? (student: late?) Great job! Early and late mean the opposite thing! I definitely think you all have it down good now.

Now I would like for you all to take out your vocabulary journals so we can write down what synonyms and antonyms are, so you don’t forget!