The power of video
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on February 15, 2022. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
I’ve been embracing video communication a bit more these days. There are three main reasons—each with implications for nature-based education.
1. Connection: When I sent the video to this email list in January, one of our subscribers responded, “You provided such a tremendous gift today—the gift of connection!”
In this era of Covid and seemingly endless isolation and disconnection, video is a way to re-connect!
Consider sending a quick video to…
…your staff or co-workers so they can see your smile and hear the appreciation in your voice.
…a child that couldn’t attend class because of quarantine.
2. Clarity: We’re living in a time where there’s SO. MUCH. INFORMATION. Plus, we are all operating on limited capacity.
Sometimes a video can convey tone and emphasis on the important bits. Video also allow screen sharing which allows for visuals to support the auditory message.
Consider recording a quick video to…
…demonstrate how to complete an incident report, then link the video within your policy and procedures manual.
…on the school map, highlight where colleagues can find a cool fungi
…illustrate the unique features of your school with a video “open house”
3. Comfort: I recently learned I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome (sigh), so video is physically more comfortable. There are many reasons people may find communicating via video easier than writing.
Many video recording programs (including Loom which I use) also provide transcripts so it’s easy to craft via video and edit if written text is needed.
Consider a video to…
…communicate news updates and include the written transcript so staff can choose how to consume the information in the form that works best for them
…talk through ideas for an upcoming family education article. (Get your thoughts out and edit the transcript rather than starting with a blank page.)
Yes, it's easy to be self-conscious when recording video, but if you can move past that you may find there are many benefits!
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
About Rachel
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.
