"Express Yourself: Movie Magic Makers"

All grades Project 4 weeks

"Express Yourself: Movie Magic Makers"

Yvonne Lopez Taylor

FA.A.3.1A

FA.A.3.1B

FA.A.3.2A

FA.A.3.2B

FA.A.3.2C

+ 7 more

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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic, project-based learning experience that merges storytelling with digital art, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Through the creation of personalized films, students will explore self-expression, reimagine narratives, and celebrate historical figures, all while honing their skills in digital media. This project aims to cultivate a sense of identity and belonging, encouraging students to reflect on their own experiences and the world around them, while connecting art to potential career paths in the digital arts.

Learning goals

Students will develop skills in digital storytelling by creating movies that express their personal experiences and imaginations, reimagine classic tales, and highlight historical heroes. They will enhance their understanding of digital arts careers and use storyboarding to plan their projects, integrating critical thinking and problem-solving. Through peer feedback and self-assessment, students will refine their artistic techniques and communication skills, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.

Standards

[] FA.A.3.1A - explore ideas from life experiences about self, peers, family, school, or community and from the imagination as sources for original works of art
[] FA.A.3.1B - use appropriate vocabulary when discussing the elements of art, including line, shape, color, texture, form, space, and value, and the principles of design, including emphasis, repetition/pattern, movement/rhythm, contrast/variety, balance, proportion, and unity
[] FA.A.3.2A - integrate ideas drawn from life experiences to create original works of art
[] FA.A.3.2B - create compositions using the elements of art and principles of design
[] FA.A.3.2C - produce drawings; paintings; prints; sculpture, including modeled forms; and other art forms such as ceramics, fiber art, constructions, mixed media, installation art, digital art and media, and photographic imagery using a variety of materials.
[] FA.A.3.3C - connect art to career opportunities for positions such as architects, animators, cartoonists, engineers, fashion designers, film makers, graphic artists, illustrators, interior designers, photographers, and web designers
[] FA.A.3.4A - evaluate the elements of art, principles of design, or expressive qualities in artworks of self, peers, and historical and contemporary artists
[] FA.A.3.4B - use methods such as oral response or artist statements to identify main ideas found in collections of artworks created by self, peers, and major historical or contemporary artists in real or virtual portfolios, galleries, or art museums
[] FA.A.3.4C - compile collections of personal artworks such as physical artworks, electronic images, sketchbooks, or portfolios for purposes of self-assessment or exhibition.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout this project, students will create storyboards and digital movies using Adobe Express. First graders will produce autobiographical films, while second graders will craft reimagined fairy tales. Third graders will develop movies featuring their own characters, and fourth and fifth graders will create films about historical heroes. The project will culminate in a film festival and virtual premiere, showcasing students' creative storytelling and digital artistry.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive "Digital Arts Career Day," where students explore various careers in digital arts through virtual guest speakers, short video clips, and hands-on activities. Invite professionals such as filmmakers, animators, and graphic designers to share their work and answer student questions. This engaging experience will spark curiosity and provide inspiration for students as they begin to create their own movies, connecting their learning to real-world applications.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their creative works through a 'Virtual Film Premiere' on a secure online platform, inviting family and friends to view and comment on their films remotely. Additionally, a 'Classroom Cinema' event will transform classrooms into mini-theaters, complete with themed decorations and popcorn, allowing students to present their movies to peers from other grades. These exhibitions provide a celebratory and engaging way for students to share their learning and creativity with a wider audience.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Digital Arts Career Exploration - Kick off with an interactive 'Digital Arts Career Day' where students explore careers in digital arts through virtual guest speakers and video clips. Students will learn about roles such as filmmakers and animators, sparking curiosity and providing inspiration. (45 min) Introduction to Project and Essential Questions - Present the project's essential questions: How can storytelling and digital art express personal experiences? How can we bring historical figures to life through film? Discuss the project's goals and outline the expected outcomes. (25 min) Brainstorming Session - Initiate a brainstorming session where students begin thinking about their movie topics based on grade-level themes, using chart paper or digital tools to jot down initial ideas. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboard drafts outlining the structure and content of each student's movie project. 2. Brainstorming sheets or mind maps capturing initial ideas and inspirations for their film. 3. Participation in the Digital Arts Career Day, including reflection on potential careers in digital arts.
Preparation	1. Gather a selection of read-aloud books or digital resources relevant to each grade's project theme. 2. Prepare materials for storyboarding, such as paper, pencils, markers, and templates. 3. Set up digital devices with Adobe Express accounts for students to access during Week 2. 4. Arrange a Digital Arts Career Day with guest speakers from various digital arts careers, ensuring technology for virtual presentations is ready. 5. Ensure students have access to research materials, such as books or online resources, for historical heroes.

Week 2	Day 2
Activities	Storyboard Development - Work on creating detailed storyboards for the movie project, focusing on sequence, setting, and character actions. (30 min) Character and Setting Design - Draw and color character and setting elements that will be featured in each student's movie, using various art materials to bring ideas to life. (30 min) Peer Sharing and Feedback - Share storyboards with classmates for constructive feedback and suggestions on how to enhance storytelling elements. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboard with scenes sketched out, illustrating the narrative arc for each grade level's project. 2. A brief written or verbal description accompanying the storyboard, explaining the main ideas and artistic choices made by the students. 3. A list of feedback or reflections from peers during a storyboard sharing session, focusing on clarity, creativity, and narrative flow. 4. A self-assessment where students reflect on their storyboard process, identifying areas of strength and potential improvement. 5. A written list of digital tools or techniques that students plan to explore further when creating their movies in Adobe Express.
Preparation	1. Prepare blank storyboard templates for each grade level. 2. Gather art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, and paper for students to use in drawing their storyboards. 3. Provide access to age-appropriate and relevant resources, such as books or digital content, related to autobiographies, fairy tales, character development, and historical figures. 4. Set up a station with digital devices for students to explore additional digital art techniques if they wish to incorporate them into their storyboards. 5. Organize a mini-workshop or resource session on storytelling techniques and the elements of a compelling narrative. 6. Ensure that Adobe Express is installed and accessible on all devices for students to explore its features in preparation for digital movie creation.

Week 3	Day 3
Activities	Digital Storytelling Techniques - Introduce students to digital storytelling techniques such as voiceovers, sound effects, and transitions. Students will experiment with these features using Adobe Express. (30 min) Film Production Work Session - Allocate time for students to start filming their scenes, using their storyboards as a guide. Emphasize capturing clear audio and video. (40 min) Peer Feedback Circle - Form small groups for students to share their initial film clips and gather feedback on clarity, creativity, and alignment with their storyboard. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and refined storyboards ready for filming. 2. Initial film edits uploaded for peer review. 3. Artist statement draft explaining their movie's creative direction and personal insights.
Preparation	1. Ensure all students have access to necessary technology, including devices with Adobe Express installed. 2. Prepare a tutorial or invite a guest speaker to demonstrate the advanced features of Adobe Express. 3. Gather any additional materials needed for filming, such as props or costumes relevant to students' projects. 4. Set up a platform or tool for students to upload initial film edits for peer review and feedback. 5. Create a template or guide for the artist statement to support students in articulating their reflections.

Week 4	Day 4
Activities	Final Movie Edits and Polishing - Students will make final edits to their movies, ensuring all elements like sound, transitions, and timing are polished. They will review their work with a checklist to ensure completeness and coherence. (45 min) Peer Review and Feedback Session - Students exchange their movies with peers for a critique session, providing and receiving constructive feedback on storytelling and artistic elements. (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboard and final movie uploaded to the secure platform. 2. Peer feedback forms filled out by students after reviewing classmates' movies. 3. Participation in the 'Gallery Walk', showcasing storyboards and receiving peer feedback. 4. Artistic self-assessment reflecting on the project process, creative choices, and learning outcomes. 5. Engagement in the 'Film Festival' presentation and Q&A session, articulating their creative process and responding to audience questions.
Preparation	1. Secure necessary technology for displaying movies, such as projectors or smartboards. 2. Prepare materials for themed decorations and popcorn for the 'Classroom Cinema' event. 3. Set up a secure online platform for the 'Virtual Film Premiere' to upload and share student movies. 4. Create feedback forms or templates for peer-review sessions to guide constructive feedback. 5. Arrange seating and logistics for the 'Gallery Walk' and 'Film Festival' to facilitate smooth transitions between activities.