Storytelling in Motion is an engaging, hands-on course designed for homeschoolers to master the art of digital storytelling. This course empowers children to capture and preserve their most meaningful experiences—whether it’s a family event, a personal hobby, or an exciting adventure—through photography, video editing, and creative narrative techniques. Over the course of the program, homeschoolers will learn to document their world, turning everyday moments into memorable stories.
Throughout the course, students will explore key digital tools and techniques, including photo composition, video editing software, and storytelling methods. Each week, students will work on a new aspect of their project, developing both technical and creative skills as they build their own family-friendly documentary. By the end of the course, they will have a finished video project that not only reflects their unique experiences but also showcases their newfound storytelling abilities.
On the final day of the course, the spotlight will shift to teaching parents how to continue the learning process at home. Parents will learn how to use the same tools and techniques their child has learned to help them preserve future memories and create more stories together.
Key Highlights:
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Creative Storytelling: Learn how to create compelling stories using photography and video editing, capturing meaningful moments and memories.
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Hands-On Learning: Gain valuable skills with digital tools, including camera techniques, video editing software, and narrative development.
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Build a Personal Project: Each child creates a unique family-friendly documentary that showcases their creativity and storytelling abilities.
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Parent Involvement: On the final day, parents will learn how to use the same skills to continue creating and preserving memories with their child, fostering a collaborative learning experience.
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Digital Skills for the Future: Equip children with valuable skills in digital media that they can apply in school projects, hobbies, and beyond.
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Memories to Last: The final project serves as a lasting keepsake—an ongoing reminder of the stories and memories they’ve created together.
Storytelling in Motion offers homeschoolers an enriching, creative experience that not only enhances their digital literacy but also fosters their ability to express and preserve personal stories. By blending technology with creativity, students will walk away with both technical skills and a unique documentary they can be proud of.
Language Arts Standards:
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LAFS.3.W.3.7 – Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
(Students can research different styles of storytelling and documentary formats to apply to their projects.)
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LAFS.3.W.1.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
(Students will write scripts or develop narration for their documentary projects, helping them to organize and present their ideas clearly.)
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LAFS.3.SL.1.2 – Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.
(Students will collaborate and discuss their stories, receiving feedback from peers or instructors and refining their work.)
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LAFS.3.SL.2.4 – Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.
(Students will present their documentary project in the final class, communicating their personal stories in a structured and clear manner.)
Technology & Digital Literacy Standards:
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K-12.CS.1 – Use digital tools to create, communicate, and collaborate.
(Students will use cameras, editing software, and digital platforms to create their documentary.)
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K-12.TL.1.1 – Use appropriate technology tools to create a project or presentation.
(Students will apply digital storytelling techniques, including video editing and photo composition, to create their final project.)
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K-12.IT.1.1 – Explore digital tools and resources to solve problems and make decisions.
(Learning how to use video editing software, digital cameras, and other tools to bring their stories to life.)
Art Standards:
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VA.3.C.1.1 – Create and present art that communicates ideas or tells a story.
(Students will use photography and video editing techniques as part of their storytelling process, showcasing their personal stories visually.)
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VA.3.S.3.2 – Demonstrate the use of materials, tools, and techniques to create artwork.
(Students will learn and apply visual storytelling techniques such as camera angles, lighting, and framing to capture meaningful moments.)
Media Production & Digital Storytelling Standards:
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SC.3.N.1.1 – Define a problem based on observations and gather information to solve the problem.
(Students will identify a story they want to tell, gather materials or content (photos, videos), and piece everything together into a cohesive project.)
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SC.3.P.8.1 – Identify simple machines and describe how they make work easier.
(While not directly related to “machines,” this standard could apply to understanding how editing tools and digital equipment streamline the storytelling process.)
Parent Involvement:
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SS.3.C.2.4 – Discuss how individuals, groups, and institutions interact in the community.
(On the final day, parents will work alongside their children, reinforcing the collaborative nature of storytelling and preserving memories together.)
Life Skills & Critical Thinking:
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SS.3.E.1.2 – Understand how the decisions of individuals, businesses, and governments can affect the economy.
(While not directly related to economic decisions, this standard can be linked to understanding how personal projects like documentaries can be shared, marketed, or monetized in today’s digital world.)