All LEADPrep students participate in our Digital Storytelling filmmaking class. These same creative aspects of filmmaking will be the themes of our amazing new week-long summer camps. There are a myriad of benefits
this fun class offers our students! Here are our three favorite reasons for taking a filmmaking class.
- We all have a story–or many–within us. The creative process of self-discovery and expression fuels rich growth and empowerment.
- Project-based learning (PBL) is effective. Research shows “schools where PBL is practiced find a decline in absenteeism, an increase in cooperative learning skills, and improvement in student achievement. When technology is used to promote critical thinking and communication, these benefits are enhanced.” (Edutopia.org)
- STEM learning is critical in the 21st century. Many schools are seeing the value of blending the application of science/technology/engineering/math with the arts. STEAM is the acronym for this learning that weaves artistic expression into STEM student learning.
It is no surprise that Digital Storytelling is many students’ favorite class. It plays to individual strengths AND allows for the socialization that most adolescents crave. There is an appealing flexibility to the varied aspects of filmmaking.. Students can create using behind-the-camera filming, editing or sound mixing on their computers, or work collaboratively over sets or storyboards.
This YouTube generation sees the immediate relevance of learning filmmaking. Sound bites, memes, and film clips are their domain. Having the opportunity to create in this meaningful manner as a part of class time resonates deeply with students.
LEADPrep is fortunate to have instructors with the expertise of Cherry Street Films co-founders, Travis Koster and Kanani Goodwin. Their vast experience with both digital storytelling and youth, plus the ability to guide and coach, coaxes maximum learning and expression from our students. They are constantly finding ways to show each student an angle of filmmaking that feels safe while fostering growth. Not every student wants to be a Hollywood star! As one LEADPrep student expressed, “Kanani and Travis know us. They give us lots of helpful ideas but want us to be the ones making the decisions. They make learning fun!”
To support students continuing to engage in learning during the summer, (and to avoid the oft heard lament “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do,”) LEADPrep and Cherry Street Films are collaborating to offer ten sessions of filmmaking summer camp. Each session is one week-long, has a flexible theme, and can be taken as part of a series of weeks or as a stand-alone.
Registration is open now at CherryStreetFilms.com for the summer camps.
If project-based learning that provides students with a great deal of flexibility and regular opportunities for self-expression appeals to you, contact us at info@lead-prep.org to arrange a visit. LEADPrep middle/high school is now enrolling for fall classes. Our campuses are in downtown Kirkland and North Seattle. Here’s to each student engaging in relevant and powerful learning as they grow into capable, caring, and contributing adults!
