JANUARY 2018

MAKING MOVIE MAGIC

These days, everything we do is being recorded. If you do not believe us, just follow a teenager around, watching them record their every move. Documenting our daily lives has never been easier. We only need a small electronic device—a GoPro, Flip, or smartphone--and we are good to go. There are even award-winning short films that are shot entirely using a phone camera. Videos can be fantastic teaching tools for the classroom. They can satisfy visual learners by showing people, places, and things that help them solidify content in meaningful ways. Videos can also capture a project or special moment within a classroom to be shared with others or enjoyed later as a memory.

Jewish content in videos has also grown tremendously. There are Jewish YouTube channels (including ours!) as well as Jewish video websites such as Eli Talks and Bimbam.com that are meant to be used explicitly as teaching tools. Most of what happens today in almost any Jewish setting can be streamed to others who couldn’t otherwise participate. Videos connect us to other Jews and experiences from around the world. Instead of pen pals, today students can attend video conferences with a classroom across the world and share their lives with each other.
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This edition of the newsletter explores the wonderful world of Jewish videos, letting us know what is out there and how to use it to enhance our classrooms and our own Jewish lives. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn and get ready to watch!

• Lights, Camera, Action! How can you get started with using this fun teaching tool? Find out here.
• Movies That'll Move Your Students: Our partner spotlight with Barbara Joseph from Shreveport will inspire you. Learn all about it.
• Getting Kids Behind the Camera. Get your students directly in on the action. Get excited about getting them behind the camera! 
• Need Some Equipment? ShareGrid is a cool rental resource. Find out if it's a good fit for you!
• Getting This Right for All Ages. Everyone loves movies, but different age ranges have different needs! Get some specific suggestions here.