I am thinking about making a welcome video to send to my students.
First, I must say that I need to start going to bed earlier. It never fails, I end up staying up late right before the school year is about to begin, but not at the beginning of the summer. If I want to stay up late, I have one week left. After that, it is time to get back on a regular schedule. Our first meeting is on the 11th.
Most likely, I will post the video on vimeo and share the link with the students to watch before our first class.
FACT: I only know what a few of my students look like.
I work at an online school, so I work at home, except for meetings. Last year, I never met most of my students, in person anyways. The few that I did meet looked completely different from what I had imagined in my mind. I wanted to stare at them and soak in their faces so the picture in my head would transform. I had some pretty fantastic students in 6th grade last year that I am really looking forward to having again this year!
FACT: Most of my students haven’t met me.
Where did I meet some of my students?
At the office and/or while proctoring CRT tests. Last year, I had a few pictures on my website, and turned on the camera sometimes during class. Typically I only came on camera when the students asked me to, but there were a few days where I surprised everyone. I did not come on every day. I don’t mind being on camera, but I become very aware of what I am doing, which is distracting.
Why Am I Thinking About Making a Welcome Video?
The video will give my students a chance to see me. They loved it when I came on camera last year, but there audio and video don’t sync properly. There is no lag if I post the video on a website (unless they have internet like at my parent’s house in the country).
I know that some students will be really excited to see me in action. Hopefully the video serves its purpose, making the students feel a little more comfortable and welcome.
I will make sure my office is in good shape so that I can record the video there. Currently the condition clean, but I am trying to add more items to it. Today and yesterday, I cleaned the perimeter of the garage, where I have tons of school supplies, books, etc. from my classroom. Most of them are still out there… just a little neater. Some of these items are moving to my office.
I am thinking about putting up posters on the walls of my office. I have them, and I have no idea what to do with them. Storing them on the walls might be the answer. The room needs re-painted from the previous owners, so putting a few holes in the wall isn’t a big deal.
I am considering donating the school supplies… what am I going to do with them? Maybe I can give them to students at the office somehow.
I can’t believe it has taken me a year to deal with the mountain of stuff from my classroom that has sat in my garage. Now when I open my garage door I don’t have to cringe, thinking that neighbors are looking at my piles of stuff, and secretly judging me. The amount of money that I spent on all of this stuff is insane!
I know from making flipped videos last year, students don’t like to watch long videos, so I don’t feel the need to make it very long. 2 minutes tops. Just a hello and a bit about me and about what to expect in class. It will include any necessary excel documents (a calendar of topics, and 7th grade common core resource) and a PDF with information, such as when to get help.
I am feeling really good about this idea. Maybe I will suggest it to some colleagues.
Now that I wrote it down, I will remember it, so it is time to follow through. Pictures coming soon.
What do you think? Would you watch a welcome video from a teacher? Would you make one?
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