Building Relationships: Marzano Element 39 through digital storytelling

Marzano Instructional Element 39: Understanding Students' Backgrounds and Interests

This element is key to building relationships with your students-- no matter the age level or subject you teach.

The "iAM" movie project is a simple lesson idea with variations available that any teacher could try immediately.

Ask your students to create a short video trailer about themselves-- their passions, interests, and even less surface level 'getting to know you' information. Highlighted tools of choice include Adobe Spark Video and iMovie trailers (both free or readily available apps)

For full "lesson plans" and example videos, be sure to read these two articles:

• http://lhstv.weebly.com/iam-imovie-trailers.html

• https://ww2.kqed.org/learning/2017/03/28/the-iam-video-project-a-creative-get-to-know-you-activity/

If you want to build out this lesson even further, consider looking through the resources available on iTunes from Apple Distinguished Educators about "iAM: A Brand Called ME"



either as a collection:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/iam/id492587276?mt=10

or as an iTunes U course (if you have access to iPads):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/course/iam-a-brand-called-me/id531749219







I referenced this same Marzano Instructional Element in my ESU8 Wednesday Webinar on iMovie + Marzano. Students are almost certain to be willing to complete this activity even outside of class time and even more importantly, you will learn new insights and deepen relationships with your learners.

 The following student projects from my classroom are an example of how you can get to know your students easily through a simple digital story. Show them to your class today and challenge your students to see how creative they can be in sharing their "personal brand."