Sixth Grade AIM Update
@norton_AIM
Today and important information for next week!
We started the lesson today discussing our next episode which will focus on the experiences of our immigrants as they go about attempting to fulfill their American dreams. We brainstormed what things we would have to research to write an accurate portrayal of the typical 1920’s immigrant in America (discrimination based on country of birth, jobs, access to education, housing, money management and more). I had organized and prepared a lot of articles to help guide their research and as soon as they began reading many of their original dreams were crushed. Nope, it was unlikely that they were going to get that first class job when they had zero education. They read about the discrimination that many immigrants felt based on preconceived ideas about their work ethic, values and social skills, what life was like working in a factory for little pay and how hard it was to learn a new language. This research will continue for a couple more weeks before we can begin brainstorming our next storyline.
These kids are really running away with this web series project. We are hoping to air a few teaser episodes next Friday to introduce the characters etc., so stay tuned. We have almost filmed everyone's mini scenes and have already written and blocked our first major episode (which takes place on the ship to America). I am really excited to watch them completely dive in and take ownership of this project. I receive notifications every few days that students are getting on the Google doc working on the script on their own time, completely unprompted. The ship scene (which will be filmed next week) will be directed by Addy & Landon, Mike is in charge of props, Andrew & Kate will be managing the "extra talent" which will be some fifth graders. Once the ship scene is filmed William, Sutton & Soohan will help with editing (I have been showing them the ropes) by using Final Cut Pro. With each major episode we will be rotating responsibilities so that everyone gets experience in each job.