In recent months, I’ve received a lot of questions asking how I create the progression videos. Here’s how it all goes down.
Step 1: Research
There are so many great resources available for early number concepts but I continually found myself coming back to Clements and Sarama for this progression. Their research is highlighted throughout Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics (PreK-2).
I also leaned on the work of Cathy Fosnot and Kathy Richardson. Every time I revisit their work I’m reminded how much room for growth I have as an educator. They keep me hungry.
Step 2: Sketch a draft progression
Step 3: Set the stage
Lay out the manipulatives in order.
Adjust the high-tech overhead video capturing hardware system.
Roll out the butcher paper.
Step 4: Go Time
It never turns out right the first time…or the fifth time for that matter. The toughest part is that it all has to be done right in one shot.
I jam out to music while working on the videos.
Step 5: Video Editing
I mute all the sound and speed up the entire video. I’ll slow roll small pieces where I need to verbally flesh out more understanding. The turtle and rabbit show where I played with speed.
I use Apple Motion for most of my video editing but for the progression videos, iMovie does the trick.
Step 6: The voiceover
I’ll highlight one or two things on index cards and let the rest flow. The toughest part is always the first 15 seconds. That usually gets a full card so I don’t sound like a blundering fool. Although some may say that I still do.
Once the notes are scribbled, I open up Quicktime, start a new screen recording, play the video full screen, and do the voiceover.
Step 7: Publish and share
Here’s the published version of the Progression of Early Number and Counting. If you or your students give this a try I’d love to check it out. If you have any questions just let me know. All of us are smarter than one of us.
Cheers!
What a fascinating insight into the intricacies of creating a progression video! Your breakdown of the planning and execution process really highlights how much thought goes into each element, from scripting to shooting. It might be interesting to explore how different audiences respond to various storytelling techniques in game progression. Have you considered using viewer feedback in future videos to refine your approach even further? Thank you for sharing this behind-the-scenes Snow Rider 3D look; it’s so refreshing to see the creative process laid bare. I’m sure your audience will appreciate this transparency!
This might be my favorite post on gfletchy, G Fletcher. I’m here brushing up while continuing to support one of my many grandchildren in making sense of mathematics. This little dose of grahaminess is just the boost I needed. Thanks so much for being you.
These are wonderful to support K-6 teachers! Do you know of anyone who is making progression videos for high school concepts?
I knew it took a lot of work to make these, but I didn’t know quite how much. Thank you for taking the time to make them. They are so helpful for teachers, students and parents alike.
I heard in a different video that you were going to make the progression of addition and multiplication of fractions and the progression of subtraction and division of fractions. Did that ever get done?
Thank you!
This is amazing! You seem to learn a lot through the 1st – 5th attempts. Also it seems time consuming; however, hungry and motivating to “get it right.” I am inspirited.
You are amazing! These are wonderful resources! I shared your link to my whole school so they could watch them!
Thank you for sharing your progression videos!! The visual progression is excellent. Our team has shared it with teachers during PD sessions. Last year, we worked with K-3 teachers on early numbers and this year, our focus moving Grades 3- from additive to multiplicative thinking.
Thanks for giving us a look behind the scenes, Graham. As always with your work, it’s really practical and instructive. I’ve been sharing your Progression videos here in Kenya where I am supporting teachers with improving mathematics instruction.
Passion.
A great job, congratulations!
Have you considered selling these as posters? I watch the videos with my teachers and then we dig in I’m always trying to find the spot in the video to refer to. I would love a poster size to hang on the wall as a go-to reference.
I would love posters as well!
Bloody brilliant. I love your work and I too love researching a learning progression in math:)
I love this behind-the-scenes peek, Fletch. So great. Especially the detail that you’re under a table when you do these. lol.
P.S. Nice books on your desk. 🙂
Graham, your progression videos are brilliant! Thanks for sharing all of this about the creation of the videos. Looking forward to the next installment.
You are da bomb! I love sharing your resources with others!
Hey Graham,
So cool how you outlined your process!! Love it. Thanks for the great work you do.
Every time I think you can’t outdo yourself, you go and do it!!!!
I am giving a STEAM course for local preschools, and this is simply perfect for them to see.
You are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to do this! I agree, keep them coming!
I LOVE these! Not only are they extremely helpful to me as a teacher but I think they would be great to show parents how much is involved in the learning process> Keep ’em coming!
GRAHAM!!!!!!!!!!!! You are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂