Biographical Video Project

Over the past year, grade 4, 5 and 6 students in Meagan's music class explored a variety of musical artists from a wide range of backgrounds. Throughout April and May they researched a Black musician of their choice. Students then presented the information they had gathered in a video that they filmed and edited using FlipGrid. 

Meagan shares "I wanted students to be able to either explore and discover a new-to-them musician, or be able to share their preferences about a well known musician. We have worked most of the year on sharing and expressing musical opinions and preferences in a respectful way and this was another opportunity to do so. I also wanted students to apply the creative process to develop their videos. They had a chance to imagine, plan, produce and then edit their video, and then they were invited to then share it with the class.

"What I noticed first was how quickly the students figured out FlipGrid. Since this project, we've been able to use FlipGrid in almost every music class. It's a great way to hear the student's voices, ideas (and rhythm!) one by one in an online setting without students feeling as if they are "performing" to the whole class. The students have also been overwhelmingly supportive of one another after sharing their videos. Everyone recognizes the bravery that it takes to step up and share a work that you've created. 

"In the online classroom environment, there have been few opportunities to be social and support each other in the way that comes so naturally in person. It was lovely to experience the excitement and encouragement that flowed during our screening days."

Memorable quote: 

• Student: "What is a 'jenner'?" Meagan: "I'm not sure...why do you ask?" Student: "How am I supposed to know what 'jenner' of music my musician makes if you don't even know what it is?" (They were reading the word 'genre'; we clarified).

Date posted: June 2021

Tags: Arts and music, confidence, creativity, Innovative approaches to teaching and learning, Integrated curriculum, Student-directed learning