HW # 47 Class film preparation 1

1. In the film, on the first day of class the classroom is darkened and their are bean bags to sit on.

2. There is a computer on a desk in the middle of the room that is hooked up to a projector. There is a normal chair in front of the desk. The teacher asks a student to sit down and type the first sentence or two of an original story. The opening lines are projected onto a wall. Then the teacher asks every student to take a turn adding to the story.

3. The homework assignment is for each student to take the story as far as it goes and complete it.

4. The idea is for students to use each other's ideas to come up with their own ideas.

5. The teacher is like a hyperactive director of a play who who treats the students like paid actors who have to earn their salaries. Students have to contribute to group projects all the time like short scenes from plays, videos, and debates. No one is ever left out. No one can hide in the back of the room.

6. The teacher gives students quotes from books they've read and ask them to interpret them in some creative way on the spot. Kids can respond with humor and even good natured sarcasm.

7. The film focuses on specific kids with distinctive personalities/talents.

8. There are a couple of shy kids, angry kids, and arrogant kids. The teacher manages to get them engaged by acting out their roles and then watch themselves on video being themselves.