Plain+English

Common Craft is a company that touts that they sell explanations, and they do. The company breaks down new or complicated concepts into simple illustrations so that the average watcher can understand what the terms mean. Educators regularly introduce new concepts and explanations, so it makes sense to look at how Common Craft's approach could be adapted to the classroom.

In order to successfully complete this task, you must first understand what Common Craft's products look like. Take a look at their [|page], which provides an index of videos that explain complex concepts in "plain English." Note the simple use of streamlined illustrations and white boards. Pay attention to how they break down each concept. What makes it "plain English"?

After you feel like you have a solid understanding of the final product, begin to think about complex concepts that occur in your content area. How could you incorporate this approach in your teaching of the content? Are there categories of information that you could have students in groups work together to illustrate the different ideas within the category. For example, to teach the different persuasive approaches, one group could tackle bandwagon, another glittering generalities, another testimonials, and so on. How would this look in your classroom? Would this occur at the introduction of your class through a teacher-made video to introduce a concept? Would it work as a review of material with students making their own products? Would students use this as a way to become experts on a particular topic and teach the concept using the jigsaw approach? Obviously, there are multiple ways you could include this approach. What works best for you?Once you have figured out how this will work for you, create an example. You will also write a 2 page reflection about the process. Use the questions below to guide your reflection. You do not have to answer every question.


 * What will this process look like in your classroom?
 * Who will make the videos?
 * How will class time be devoted to supporting this process?
 * How will the videos be shared?
 * What concepts will you explore through this process?
 * What time of year would this project occur?
 * What other thoughts do you have on this in regards to production and content?
 * What benefits do you see students gaining from participating in this process?
 * What drawbacks did you come across or can you see possibly occurring within this process?
 * What literacy skills do students draw on when working through this project?
 * What role does collaboration play in this process?
 * What role does technology play in this process? Is it necessary for the project to be successful? Could it be adapted to reflect the absence of technology?
 * What other thoughts do you have about the project?

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">Turn in your written portion to Dropbox on the day you present in class.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">Try to make your videos no longer than 5 minutes.; this will force you to be concise and purposeful in each word and visual you present. You will share the entire video with the class at the end of the semester.

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">Happy filming!