Debbie Ward

I didn't attach any commentary to my video before I submitted it, so I hope this fits in where it's supposed too. This is a green screen project. I originally intended to put drawings the kids made as the background, but couldn't figure out how to do it in the time frame I left myself. I went on a search for backgrounds on the internet, but couldn't find any that really were free. I found a picture of some books and decided to use it as a background and dropped my green screen on top of it. It's not exactly what I planned, but I did learn something about green screens in the process. Now, I just have to figure out how to get the backgrounds that I really want.

The following poem is my "script". I planned on filming my class reciting this poem using a green screen (something I know I'll need help with) and having the students create background illustrations to match the text.

The Reader’s Oath

I promise to read

Each day and each night.

I know it's the key

To growing up right.

I'll read to myself,

I'll read to a crowd.

It makes no difference

If silent or loud.

I'll read at my desk,

At home and at school,

On my bean bag or bed,

By the fire or pool.

Each book that I read

Puts smarts in my head,

'Cause brains grow more thoughts

The more they are fed.

So I take this oath

To make reading my way

Of feeding my brain

What it needs every day.

Making this movie was a great adventure. While the trial and error method of learning can be a little intimidating when you're a novice, the kids and I had a lot of fun and we did learn a lot. Thank you to Brad and Mitchell for your help and advice. I hope it's a little more clear what the purpose and who the audience is for this movie. We'll have to see. This will be the test. This is pretty close to being a final copy, baring any changes that might need to be made based on your suggestions. I wanted to add some subtle background music and make a few tweaks to some of the transitions. Your comments will be greatly appreciated. I'm taking all the advice I can get.

This movie was definitely a labor of love, made through a series of trials and errors (think a whole day of filming with no sound), but I learned a lot... mostly about what not to do... but a lot nonetheless. The S.A.V.E program is huge at our school and we're excited about sharing it.

I'd like to do a PSA about the S.A.V.E. Program. S.A.V.E. is an integral part of the Rock Springs culture, having originated here several years ago as the brain child of an I.A. by the name of Terri Ryan. Every Monday morning at our all-school assembly, our Principal, Kathy Morris, reminds the students of the importance of using Positive Actions. One of those positive actions is being respectful of our environment and the Planet Earth. She raises a glass light bulb full of pennies we’ve saved during the course of the year remembering to “save amps, voltage, and electricity” and asks the kids what it is we do. Everyone shouts “SAVE!” and when Mrs. Morris asks for a show of hands of students who’ve helped save our planet by being light monitors, the response is overwhelming. I thought it would be fun to do a PSA depicting “super heroes” who save Earth by reminding people to turn off their lights, etc. We could have tin foil caped crusaders (think exuberant first graders) extolling the virtues of saving electricity at school; maybe an interview with the principal talking about how much money we’ve saved, with a graphic comparison (“we’ve saved enough electricity to …); or maybe a “Captain Electric” who swoops in and stops someone who is just about to leave a room without turning things off and reminds them of the importance of S.A.V.E. There are several possibilities. Let me know what you think.