Common Craft
videos are made using simple paper cutouts and dialogue that focuses on
explaining concepts "in plain English." Pioneered by Lee and Sachi
LeFever, this style of video utilizes a white background and will have
all elements planned out to make a complex subject simple. Another key
to the video style is that it is short, usually around two to four
minutes (definition from edutopia).
For the first tech project of the year, you are going to create Common Craft-like videos to explain the new concepts and ideas you are learning about The Economy in Social Studies class. Before you begin, however, you need to understand what a Common Craft video is like. Watch the examples below.
Please, no Zombies in your videos! So...where to begin?
1. Decide on an idea--get it approved by a teacher!
2. Create a script--keep it simple and clear!
3. Create visuals--Keep them simple and eye catchingly BOLD! This is not the assignment for fancy details. -click here to access the cut-outs from the Common Craft site
4. Practice! You want to be able to narrate your script smoothly without mistakes. You also need to know when to change your props! The actual video taping should not take more than 10 minutes!
5. Film your Common Craft-like video
6. Show the class---and the world. Help people understand how and why the econmoy works!
7. Have fun!
More resources:
Making Common Craft Style videos: Here's a How-to that gives some good tips for making these videos. You don't have to read everything. Just take a look at the diagrams.
