Before leaving my students for the year, I offered an assignment from Scholastic Magazines, the My History Project. We spent a Google Meet session looking at Animoto for creating interesting videos.
I knew this project would be a difficult endeavor without me overseeing and coaching the process. I honestly didn’t think any of them would take the time to pursue it.
You are a part of history.
Lauren Tarshis, Scholastic
You are living through an important and unique time in history—the COVID-19 pandemic. Years from now, historians will learn from the experiences of people who went through it—people like you and your family.
The projects were due to Scholastic by July 1st. I was pleasantly surprised when I got an email from Chloe’s mom with a link to her completed video. I’m excited to share it with you. I love how Chloe used equations “Laura Purdie Salas-style” to communicate a lot with few words. Please share comments to Chloe here, and I will pass them on to her.
Reflections on the Teche 
This is so beautiful, Chloe! Your pairing of words and images captured both the pain and the joy of the last few months. You dancing with your grandpa made me cry — happy tears for the dancing, sad tears for the masks. We’ll get through this. Your video gives me so much hope.
Chloe, thanks for creating this sensitive, heartfelt movie, with sharing, touching, and difficult moments of your life during covid-19. You packed so much life into such a small space. Loved the dancing scene. Good luck! 💙 from Michelle in Chicago
Chloe,
Your video moved me to tears. You captured this time so well by including the things you did in detail and the way it made you feel. My favorite was the joyful dance with your grandpa while wearing masks. i am so glad you took time to record your story during this Covid-19 time. Keep creating! You give me hope. Fondly, Sally from Virginia
Margaret, WOW!!! Thanks you for sharing. I needed a good cry this morning and Chloe really did move me to tears. She reminded me of all I miss about being at home and not teaching at school. Hats off to you too for providing the opportunity to Chloe. I’m inspired by you!!
This is beautiful, Chloe! You did an AWESOME job at capturing your experiences during the COVIDE-19. I’m so proud of you! You are very talented. I love how you titled each action. Keep up the great work!
Ms. Dina Savoie
JIRES
Chloe, you did an AMAZING job on this video capturing for all of time this very unique moment on in history. I love how you combined words and images that made me smile and cry . Kudos to your teacher for this wonderful assignment that fostered thinking and creativity. BRAVO!
Oh my goodness, Chloe! I am in awe of the way you used word equations, music & images to capture your life during this time. I am impressed with the joy you’ve found in a time that has been difficult for so many people – from the gifts for your mother to dancing with your grandfather to using an empty street as a catwalk. And I see how you’ve woven some of the harder moments in with those moments of joy. May you continue to create and to find joy for the rest of your life. Thank you for letting Ms Simon share your work.
Dear Chloe,
Your history project video is a work of art that deeply stirred my heart. I love the “spareness” of it – you got your points across with the photos and very few words. My favorite shot is of you and your grandfather dancing to zydeco … I don’t know how to dance that way but wish I did. And you were wearing masks to keep each other safe … such a beautiful expression of love. That’s a lovely picture of you by the pool, looking so serious – for these are serious times. That final message of staying safe and loving each other – YOU. ARE. SO. RIGHT. It is what I want to do, too. I want to lift people’s spirits the way you have with your video – it has been the brightest, happiest spot of my day – thank you for sharing your artistry!
Hi this is Chloe. I love all the comments that you all sent. This virus has beat us down for quite some time now. I believe we can make good out of it. We can’t let these type of things get the best of us. I thank Mrs. Simon for posting my video. Always stay safe. Thank you.
Chloe, it’s always wonderful to start a day with some piece of art that makes me think and/or feel, and your video did both! (My cheeks are damp as I write this.) The photos (I especially loved the dancing and you on the “catwalk”) showed such a great sampling of your life and your emotions, and your equation poems rocked. I am SO impressed. Thank you for creating art and sharing love during these so-hard times. Virtual hugs to you, Laura Purdie Salas
Margaret, this is amazing. I’d love to link to your post from my equation poem Padlet on my Lion of the Sky page. Is that okay?
Thanks for your heartfelt response to Chloe. Of course you may link. Thanks!