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They say that a picture is worth 1,000 words. In that case, a video clip must be worth many thousands of words.
Today the cost of video equipment has dropped, and the ease of use has increased to the point where even small programs, or programs without tech-savvy staff, can use video to enhance communication and learning. Many centers now use short (no more than 2 or 3 minute) clips of children engaged in learning to update and reassure parents about how their child is learning in the program. For example, in one program a teacher shot 3 or 4 video clips a week of different children on a rotating schedule so that once or twice a month every parent would have a clip of her child emailed to her (hidden bonus: proud parents showing off these clips to other parents and promoting your program's reputation).
Other centers collect a series of clips of children to use as a focal point of parent conferences — these clips could focus on the child as a learner, the child making friends, or the child with some challenges. Still other programs maintain a file of clips so that at the end of the year teachers and parents can observe how a child has progressed.
Video clips can also play an important role in teacher development as well. Click on this link to a video clip in our latest Learning Moments CD, "Children with Learning Challenges." Playing this clip in a staff meeting or a class can be a discussion stimulator about how children learn. Imagine the thinking going on in Chris as he attempts to accomplish a construction. Talk about what would happen if a teacher observing him struggling at this would jump in and "rescue" him by giving him suggestions.
When teachers want to improve their skills in certain areas, you can also collect videos of that teacher at work. The key here is to let the teacher see the clips in private first so as not to be embarrassed and defensive.
For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.
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