Third Grade Cinematography

Today as a third grade ecosystem project J created a travel movie to teach people about forests. We are big fans of Jeff Corwin, and J's funny expressions and silly comments exposed his preference for humorous documentaries.

He did all of the research and preparation (see his little spiral notepad tucked under his arm) alone and then went to work filming it all while I was getting a haircut. He is still Mr. Independent. The neighbor boys, the very same ones who get into poison ivy with him and identify raccoon prints, were cameramen and on-site botany consultants. He was so satisfied with his work when he finally brought the camera to me.

Tonight as I taught him the basics of IMovie he giggled and bounced, excited about the progress he was making and the product he was creating as he maneuvered the mouse. He was already anticipating the laughter from his nine-year old peers. In the end he had a ten-minute movie. And that is proof enough that he wasn't taking my advice.

He had to go to bed before it had finished burning to a disc and I can hardly wait to let him pop the DVD into the drive to watch it tomorrow morning before breakfast.