There is something about simply being in a different space that will help spark something new in us. No matter whether that is on a vacation, or through changing the furniture design in our living rooms, or taking a class to a new and different space, we are bound to have a new experience just by occupying different space. So was the case when this semester's students ventured to see La La Land at our local theatre, The Catlow (www.thecatlow.com).
After all, it's far more fun to watch a film on the BIG screen rather than on our little big screen in the classroom. And there's just something about being in that space that brings the best out of some students. Being in this larger space, out of school hours, allowed us to mix and blend our classes.
Here's what I loved most about this experience:
1. There are 3 different film teachers at our high school, so I loved collaborating with them--and best of all, our students got to mingle with students from the other classes.
2. We film teachers don't all use the exact same films in our courses, so it was fun to see them discuss the films they were watching, make recommendations, complain about Citizen Kane still being considered "The Greatest Film of All Time," etc.
3. Students who don't always participate in class came out of their shells and shared great ideas about La La Land. There's just something about being in a new space that can be so refreshing and rewarding.
My first shot, sans flash:
The second one--that blinded them. Oops.