Lights, Camera, Action!

A few years ago I was taking classes to earn my reading endorsement. One of the final requirements was to film myself teaching each of the 5 components of reading. I dreaded doing this because of my fear of the camera. After I was all done filming, I breathed a sigh of relief because I though the worst was over. Boy, was I wrong! The next part of the assignment was to critique those 5 lessons. That meant I had to sit there for 2 and a half hours and watch myself. Ick!

After about 30 minutes I was finally over how horrible I looked on the camera and I was able to focus on my teaching. I had never seen myself as a teacher. I knew what I sounded like in my head, but it was much different in real life. I realized that I said "Okay, guys?" about a million times, that I clarified myself a little too much instead of giving my students wait time, and that sometimes I read a little bit too loudly. If I had another teacher come in my room to observe me, I'm not sure they would have told me these things. You see, as teachers we don't like to hurt people's feelings. We are our own best (and worst) critics.

Since then, I make it a point to film myself at least once each year. My students love being filmed; they feel like real movie stars! While reviewing the film, I try to find at least one thing I can focus on fixing. I don't have to admit my weaknesses to anyone else, I just need to make it a personal goal to fix them.

I highly recommend that all teachers, especially new ones, try this. After you get over the initial shock of having to watch yourself, you can really dig deep into improving your practice.

It's pretty simple to do. All you have to do is set up the camera and go on with your business. Last year I even forgot that the camera was rolling and didn't stop it until a few hours later. It was really beneficial to see myself when I forgot I was being recorded.

I challenge you to try it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even get a little mad at yourself. Just remember that no one is perfect and you are only doing it to make yourself a better teacher.