The first idea that came to me was to introduce each lesson with a song. Not necessarily a math song, but maybe a song that is popular on the radio. So what did I do...I decided to combine the two! I usually find a popular song that has been on the radio and then add some quick little math ideas to each song. Of course I change the words and just sing over the original vocals, but I have found that it is a fun way to introduce a new lesson, for the student watching and for myself. Sometimes I will talk about the current lesson that will be introduced and then sometimes I may add a different video about anything else related to school. I have actually had parents email me and tell me how their students enjoy me trying to make math a little more interesting by changing up my notes. (Some have even said my voice sounds like a cross between Jesus and Fergie. Ha!)
The second idea I came up with was to add a few "cameos" by some guests into my videos. I have one alter ego, named Karl, that likes to stop by every once in a while and help me do an example. I'm hoping to start including Karl a little bit more here in the future so I can spice up the current videos I have now. One day I would like to start my own version of the "Epic Rap Battles of History" with my own "Epic Rap Battles of Math". I think Karl vs. my other alter ego, K-Pain, will be the first one to go to film!
By including my own videos and by putting my own personal touches on my notes videos I have been able to keep math a little interesting and entertaining for my students. I feel this is very important for the monotony of math. I'm open for more ideas of how to make my videos more interesting, yet still keep the academic premise. If you have flipped your classroom or create videos for your classroom, please feel free to include any of your great ideas in the comments section!
