Designing and Teaching

Lessons with iMovie

By Lars Lindqvist
Learning Targets
1. I can create a movie using iMovie
2. For Teachers: I can structure a lesson using iMovie in a
way that promotes the development of important
writing skills and habits.
3. For students: I can create a narrative that is supported
by effectively organized evidence and has a tone that
fits the subject
Evidence of Understanding: Students will create their own
iMovie that introduces themselves to the class.

About Me
Secondary English Education Student.
This is my second year in the program. I have had two
semesters of practicum, and now have started student
teaching.
I am a member of the Writing Fellows, an
undergraduate writing tutor program, here at the UW.

Uses of iMovie (from a teachers
perspective)
Telling Narratives
Presenting an argument/
informational film on a
current issue
Alternative projects at the
end of a unit.
Caters to a more diverse
selection of learning styles
Potential option for
students with disabilities
iMovie and Writing
The same skills that go into creating a
movie can also be found in writing.
Images in slideshows = supporting
evidence.
Text that introduce pictures= topic
sentences.
Intro/conclusions
Effects ( music, transitions, etc.) set
tone of piece.
Can be adapted to different writing
styles found in different subjects.

Common Core
All these ideas align with the language of the
Common Core Standards ( see writing standard .1
for grades 6-12).
From 6
th
Grade (W.6.1): Write arguments to support
claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
From 12
th
Grade (W.11-12.1): Write arguments to
support claims and analysis of substantive topics,
using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient
evidence.

Time to Start the Tutorial!
Before we begin, you need to find 2 to 3 images that describe
you. Just use the first that come to mind!
Next step, open iMovie!
During the tutorial keep in mind these two things:
1. How do you want to organize your projects in order to present
the information most effectively?
2. What do you effects (music, transitions, font, sound effects)
say about your piece? Do they fit the tone?



Designing and Teaching with
iMovie
Reminder of uses: Narratives, alternative projects,
video essays, etc.
For today: A movie that tells a story about us and
introduces us to the class.
- Keep in mind: This should be organized in an
essay format.
Todays lesson will use a gradual release format ( I do,
we do, you do).
I do: A Teacher example
A good way to start this particular lesson is to provide an
example of your own.
When I show the video about myself, pay attention to the
following:
- How is it organized?
-Do the effects detract or add?
- What is the overall effect?
We do: Constructing a Video
Together
For the next activity we will put what we have learned into
practice.
Using another video I made, come up and construct the video in a
way that more effectively delivers its message.
Some things you could add:
-Text before images ( topic sentences)
-Music
-Transitions
-Order the clips to fit together.
After you make an addition, explain your reasoning.

You Do: Create Your Own Movie
Now its your turn to create a movie!
Remember, for our lesson, you are making a movie that tells a story
about you!
You will have 15 min to get as far as possible.
Keep in mind the ideas about structure, organization, and tone that
we have discussed.
Debrief
In conclusion iMovie is great for:
-Giving students opportunities to tell a narrative or make an
argument in non traditional fashion.
-Allow students to practice the craft of writing.
-Providing alternatives to the usual essay format
Any questions?
Additional resources: YouTube has many more tutorials that
go more in depth. I would recommend those by David A. Cox
from pcclassesonline.com.
Thanks for listening!