One on one

This past week I had an awesome experience working with a student in one of my classes. This student is not the high flier super achiever student. Typically I struggle to keep him engaged and focused in the class. As a class, we decided to do a second video project after the first initial one for the video unit in my communications technology class (this decision was 'forced' upon us because we got kicked out of the computer lab I use for the class). After an entire day to plan their videos, this student and his group were sitting around staring at each other. No plans were evident, and they were missing out on the first of two periods they had to film. Since most of the class was out in the halls doing their filming, I was free to be able to give this group a little additional guidance. I sat down at their table and started trying to get them to come up with some good ideas for a video. "What do you want to make a video about?"
"I dunno.."
"Do you want to make a movie, a commercial, a documentary, what?"
At this point, one of the students in the group remarked they should make a commercial about soda. With this one suggestion from the group, I was able to shape their discussion and brainstorming session. By the end, they decided they wanted to make a movie about how drinking soda is bad for you and you can get fat. To illustrate, one of the group members was going to stuff their shirt with extra clothes to appear like they were fat. They got really excited, and actually got a pencil and paper and started writing out their script. This student who normally doesn't do much took the lead in writing and drafting up the plan for his group. I was so proud I could almost cry. This is why I teach. These are the experiences I strive to have. It is so great what can be accomplished when students are given the attention they need.