Lesson Plan

Famous First Graders!

Students pose as celebrities at a big event and take turns interviewing and digitally filming and photographing each other.

By Gayle Berthiaume

Grades

1–2

Duration

2 DAYS

Overview

Students will learn about each other, while also learning to use a digital camera and digital video camera.

Preinstructional Planning

During Instruction

Post Instructional

Preinstructional Planning

Objectives

Students will:

Interview each other.
Tell information about themselves.
Take digital still and video photos and edit them.
Write about the Famous First Graders.

Materials

Digital still cameras
Digital video cameras
Cable to connect to computer
Tripod (optional)
Microphones (optional)
Macintosh computer with Mac OS 9.2 or higher
iPhoto software
iMovie software
Background for interview area
Red carpet (roll paper)
Stool or chair for Famous First Grader to sit on
A pretend limousine for the Famous First Grader to arrive in (optional)
Name badges for Paparazzi and reporters.
Microphones for reporters
Large-screen TV (optional)
Popcorn (optional)
Invitations (optional)

During Instruction

Set Up

Create a Famous First Graders background. I used dark blue roll paper with the words "Famous First Grader" enhanced with glitter.
Roll out the red carpet and place a seating area at the end of it.
Create a roped off area around the Famous First Grader so that the Paparazzi can't get too close.
Name badges for Paparazzi and reporters. These could be printed out on large address labels or the children could use the large address labels and design their own with markers.

Lesson Directions

Step 1: Separate the students into their roles. There may only be as many photographers as you have cameras. (Some could use pretend cameras.) About half of the students could start out as Famous First Graders. They just wait in their limousine (chairs lined up) until it arrives at the Big Event and it is their turn to be interviewed.

Step 2: Talk about how the Big Event is about to begin. The Famous First Graders are about to arrive at any moment. The groups need to get their equipment and take their places. Remind students to be considerate of each other and be a good team member.

Step 3: Go over how the scenario might be played out: The first limousine arrives. An usher opens the door for the Famous First Grader. The crowd briefly cheers or oohs and ahhs. The paparazzi take a picture. The Famous First Grader walks down the red carpet to the interview area. A reporter asks his or her name. Another reporter asks, "Tell us why you are famous." When the interview is complete the Famous First Grader excuses himself to go into the Big Event. This person becomes a crowd member. The rest of the students rotate to the next position. Continue until all of the children have been interviewed.

Step 4: After everyone has been interviewed, have the students edit the photos and create an iMovie. This could be done in a computer center. Creating the iMovie could be done as a large group if the computer was connected to a large-screen TV.

Step 5: Preview the movie. Decide if it needs any further editing.

Step 6: Invite parents, principal, specialists, or another class to view the movie. Popcorn is a nice touch to this Big Event.