April is School Library Month, and today 4th grade students created short video clips using the Animoto app to celebrate our beautiful Oak Hills library! When I began planning this project for students, I really wondered what they would focus on as they created their videos. I tried not to guide their focus as I wanted their genuine responses. I can't deny, I was hoping they would view our library as more than a collection of books. Don't get me wrong, if our library keeps students finding and reading good books, that is certainly a noble cause. But I was hoping my students would see it as a place for them to share their ideas and creatively demonstrate their learning. Since fourth graders don't tend to use these lofty phrases to describe their learning, I knew there was a chance I was setting myself up for disappointment...but I was hoping.
I couldn't be more delighted with their videos! Check out a few examples of their creations!! My fourth graders are so insightful and funny, and the Animoto app gives their ideas such a beautiful voice! I only wish I had guided them to make them a little longer...I was enjoying them so much!
On a quick side note, Jeff Kinney, New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was named the national spokesperson. His book also just won the Oak Hills Elementary March Madness Tournament of Books bracket! What a year for Mr. Kinney! Spokesperson for National School Library Month and our OHE March Madness winner!! Two great honors!