Time-Lapse

The last day of classes before Thanksgiving break, I set up my iPhone in an attempt to record some time-lapse footage in each of my classes.  Since middle-schoolers can smell a camera a mile away, there was nothing secretive about my set-up.  My intention was to capture samples of some of the “normal” goings-on in my classroom.  For example, these snippets show how we use a Nearpod “homework review template” to facilitate mathematical discourse, share work efficiently from EVERY student, do a bit of authentic error-analysis, reflection, and as needed, reteaching.

What I didn’t anticipate was just how valuable this simple footage would be for me for reflective purposes.  It was an efficient self-observation.  In mere seconds, I can see habits and patterns in my own practice that could use some improvement.  Was I at the front of the room too much?  Did I circulate to every student group often enough?  Were the students on task?  Was that kid really reading a book long enough for me to notice it in a time-lapse, yet I didn’t even notice in real-time!?!  It’s amazing what seeing your students and yourself on camera can reveal, even in this speedy format.