Their latest feat--these snapshot stories. It's amazing what these kids can do with limited resources. Most of them don't have access to computers and the internet at home, and so they rely on whatever technology we have at school. Let me just say that Steve Jobs would probably roll over in his grave if he saw the notebook cart I had to check out for this assignment. Hint: not a single Apple can be found on this cart. Nevertheless, my kids embraced the project and created beautiful Snapshot Stories.
Their assignment was to bring in any picture that spoke to them and to write two hundred words about it. After much revision, they used the website WeVideo to upload their picture and record themselves reading their words. Although I had limited experience with WeVideo, (hey--I'm an Apple girl and I use iMove!) we worked through the kinks together to create the final projects.
I wasn't prepared for how much their final snapshot stories would move me. I read their words as they were going through the writing process, witnessed their struggles with revision, and saw their smiles and high fives when they realized they had found just the right words to go with their picture. It wasn't until I heard their voices on their final video, though, that I realized just how amazing these projects are. Those voices, so full of emotion and innocence, filled my soul as each picture became their story, and I suddenly connected with each of them in ways I couldn't have possibly done without this project.
My students happily gave their permission to share some of their stories with you, and so I invite you to watch a few of them and get a glimpse into the heart of a typical high school senior at my school. **Update: WeVideo is now asking you to login. If this happens, try signing if with a Google+ account.
Their assignment was to bring in any picture that spoke to them and to write two hundred words about it. After much revision, they used the website WeVideo to upload their picture and record themselves reading their words. Although I had limited experience with WeVideo, (hey--I'm an Apple girl and I use iMove!) we worked through the kinks together to create the final projects.
I wasn't prepared for how much their final snapshot stories would move me. I read their words as they were going through the writing process, witnessed their struggles with revision, and saw their smiles and high fives when they realized they had found just the right words to go with their picture. It wasn't until I heard their voices on their final video, though, that I realized just how amazing these projects are. Those voices, so full of emotion and innocence, filled my soul as each picture became their story, and I suddenly connected with each of them in ways I couldn't have possibly done without this project.
My students happily gave their permission to share some of their stories with you, and so I invite you to watch a few of them and get a glimpse into the heart of a typical high school senior at my school. **Update: WeVideo is now asking you to login. If this happens, try signing if with a Google+ account.
Here's Stephanie
(click here) new beginnings
Pedro and Alexis
(click here for Pedro) home sweet home
(click here for Alexis) go slow
and Angel
(click here) Guidance
Miss Lizeth
and finally Jeff
(I saved Jeff for last because I just have to share his story. I first met Jeff when he was in my 7th grade Literacy class. He had just come to the United State from Tanzania. He spoke absolutely no English--his native language is Swahili. For most of that 7th-grade year, Jeff and I communicated using Google Translate, starting with one word at a time. My teacher-heart is filled to the rim having Jeff in my senior English class and witnessing his growth and the power of education!)
(click here) track star
Seniors, words, and pictures. Reasons to believe!
