PK-5: First Month of School Project- a PSA!

Hello! I was catching up on my reading and came across a blog post by A.J. Juliani who is the Director of Technology and Innovation at Centennial School District in Pennsylvania.  He shares many innovative ideas via his blog.  One of the posts I read was titled "5 Projects You Can Do in the First Month of School".  I started reading the post, got hooked with the first idea and immediately made a note to jot down some ideas here.

The first idea he shared was to have your students create a PSA (Public Service Announcement).

Wheels started turning.....

First of all, I love this idea because it applies to any grade level and any content area as he mentioned in his post.  Let's start brainstorming....

These are topics that jumped out at me when reviewing science and social studies curriculum for the first nine weeks. There might be others you can think of!   When I think PSA, I think "a video where a lesson is taught".  Any of these topics could be used to create a PSA.  Students can work in groups to create a script. Thankfully we have iPads available to us so our students can record each other's PSA.   We can leave the videos as is or add titles, images and background music using the iMovie app.  Then the videos could be shared on YouTube or via a digital portfolio like Seesaw!  Perhaps final products could be shown on the morning announcements.

Creating a PSA will give your students one of their first experiences of the year with writing, reading, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking-- ALL IN ONE EXCITING, ENGAGING,  PROJECT!  I LOVE this idea!!  Our students should be having fun while they are learning.  These experiences will leave a lasting impression and help our students retain the information they are learning!

If you want to try the PSA project in YOUR class, but feel like you need support with the planning and the delivery of the lesson, please do not hesitate to contact me for help!  This idea truly can be modified for all age levels and content areas!  Hope to hear from you SOON!