HSN KINDNESS: REAL STORIES
One of our two student videos for the March 5th 2G-Led All-School Gathering is just about there!
To complete HNS Kindness: Real Stories we just have to—
Add a short take for Daxton’s story
Replace Katelyn’s practice video with the very classy video that just came in
Get all the volume levels right
2G was THRILLED with the few minutes they saw today.
We anticipate TOTAL MELTDOWN tomorrow.
If you’ve like a sneak preview, here’s HNS Kindness: Real Stories as if currently exists. And if you didn’t know, these stories really are real!
A few wonderful moments from filming today:
First, when we were filming the scene in which Rilen (playing his “new boy” self) is taught how to play the playground-game “The Floor is Water,” August-2020 Tanner is seen explaining the rules while 2G plays the game in the background.
One student said, “But Rilen knows how to play!”
Second, several girls are watching the scene in which Navie (as her “new girl” self) does a cartwheel watched by all of 2G. When 2G students run off leaving Navie standing all alone, one of the girls puts her hand on Navie’s shoulder and says, “I’m sorry.”
While the scene is emotionally on target — new students don’t know the culture of the class they’re joining and the class doesn’t know how to relate to them — this enactment didn’t occur as filmed!
Third, 2G students are learning that “text” needn’t remain pristine! Students are bemused — sometimes appalled — at how a clean script is transformed as it is used.
Fourth, several students were fascinated by the planning required for the playground takes shot today.
Who/what was foreground
Who/what was background
Should we shoot in the same locale (the big play structure) or vary it?
What actions should take place during the take?
How can we be sure that nothing important is obscured during the take?
Not only were these students fascinated by the planning process, but they actively participated in thinking it all through and contributed good ideas.
I believe that while they knew acting was fun, they also discovered the thinking and creativity that goes on before the camera rolls and behind the camera as it is rolling.
Not bad for 7 and 8 years old!
BE PROUD OF YOUR STUDENT
2G worked hard to create this video, and they’ll be working hard to create the second video, Can Vikings Learn to be Kind? (No real stories, pure invention.)
In the past few weeks, your child has been — what’s the right word? “Required”? “Forced?” “Encouraged”? “Invited?” — to push her/himself in the language arts and executive function (memory, planning, coordinating) dimensions as never before. S/he’s worked HARD.
At the same time, s/he’s been asked to work “100% independently” while I am working with those being filmed and Ms. Erin is only one source of help for however many students need her NOW.
This class is maturing before our eyes.
It’s a wonder to behold, and a huge part of the joy of teaching.
Be proud!
2ND COVID JAB
I received my second Pfizer COVID vaccination today.
May this be a sign that, sooner rather than later, we will all be on the path to a better, physically-and-emotionally healthier, more interpersonally interconnected future!
Onwards!