GROUP+B+Digital+Stories

http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/learnshops/digital/movies/what_are_you.m4v

This story is about a boy's search for identity. It begins with his parents' decision about what his name would be. He is of mixed race and most of the story is about his search to belong, both within his own family, and society. He used family photographs and text to make his points. It would be a useful story in a unit that deals with identity, family values, prejudices, abuse, or friendship.

http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/learnshops/digital/movies/circles.m4v

This story is also a biography of sorts. I like the way the author highlights the creative process by talking about her choices for the story. She highlights the circular nature of life and families both visually and verbally. I loved the idea of a shoebox story, which was her assignment. Find a shoe box, put things that symbolize you in some way as well as pictures and mementos. Then tell your story through these objects. I can see this developing as a great project for my high school English students!

http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/learnshops/digital/movies/gone-diving.m4v

I picked this story because it's about how scuba diving changed a man's life. I have a senior this year who has struggled throughout high school with his learning disabilities. He became interested in diving last year, and I think it has changed his life too. I know he will enjoy this man's story. This would be a great story to use within a biology class during an oceanography unit.

[]

This video is of a first grade boy telling about Patriotism. The images consist of soldiers, war scenes and memorials. The messages are all common patriotic phrases, even the pledge. This would be great to use around Veteran's Day or Memorial day so students could understand those holidays better.

[] This video is called "Our Pattern Book." It had kindergarteners who made pattern projects on each slide. There was the name and picture of the student and then a picture of their pattern work. Also each slide had a few lines of text explaining the pattern and telling what repeated on it. Some had a personal comment like, I worked hard on this. I think it would be great to introduce pattern work or review pattern work with other kindergarteners.

[] This video is called "Practice Makes Perfect." I picked it because sometimes students need to practice a new skill but do not have much desire to practice on their own. During the video, a small boy is suppose to practice the piano for his recital. His mom yells at him and he procrastinates. But finally the day comes when he has to perform. The boy ends up getting a good score and is on his way to winning a trophy. A happy ending! You could use this in a music class about practicing piano or any subject where practice is required to be perfect!