The Ordinary Day
In the previous task, Unboxing, identity is explored through sharing personal glimpses of life. This type of vlogging can help highlight similarities and differences between pupils, but it may also place greater emphasis on special or “fun” moments rather than everyday routines.
This task, The Ordinary Day, shifts the focus to storytelling about everyday life. It invites pupils to explore how ordinary moments and familiar surroundings can be captured and communicated through vlogging, while also providing opportunities to further develop technical vlogging skills such as filming, sound, and editing.
The Beauty of the Ordinary
We use stories to make sense of the world, and storytelling can make vlogs more engaging and meaningful. A good story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, helping viewers understand the vlogger’s message. Without a story, vlogs can feel random and harder to connect with. What seems ordinary to the vlogger, may seem extraordinary to the viewer. By reflecting on the ordinary, we may realise how interesting and beautiful everyday moments really are.
Teaching Plan
In this session, pupils will watch two example vlogs called The Ordinary Day, where Even and Ken tell their stories. Afterwards you will discuss the content and techniques used to prepare the pupils for making their own vlogs about their ordinary day.
The Ordinary Day - Even's Version
Even’s vlog shows his day from morning to evening. He knew the vlog shouldn’t be too long, as it would be boring to watch the whole day, minute by minute. He wanted to show something typically Norwegian, share some local knowledge about his city, while keeping true to himself, sharing something typically “Even”.
Class Discussion
Divide the class into their vlog groups, with each group analyzing one part of Even’s vlog. After 5 minutes of discussion, each group shares their insights with the class.
Breakfast: What shots did Even include? Why is the voiceover important? Why does he sometimes talk directly to the camera? What editing techniques did he use? How would you make a breakfast scene interesting?
Going to Work: What shots were included? What storytelling techniques did you notice? How do voiceovers and visuals complement each other? How would you make a “going to school” scene engaging?
At Work: What does Even show at work? How does the voiceover add value? How would the rap scene feel without the voiceover? What did you learn from this part?
Spare Time: What activities did Even include? How were effects and music used to end the story? Why is this scene shorter than the others?
The Ordinary Day - Ken's Version
Ken’s vlog shows a typical day for him, with his daily routines, work, and spare time. In this vlog, he reflects on the beauty of the ordinary, bringing the audience into both his ordinary day, but also showing what is unique and important to him.
Class Discussion
In the following questions, pupils are asked to look specifically at technical aspects of Ken's vlog. They will discuss in their groups before sharing their ideas with the rest of the class.
- How many scenes does Ken have in his vlog?
- How does Ken convey the change of scenes?
- Can you think of others ways to achieve this?
- When is Ken using music in his vlog?
- To what extent can music help to tell a story?
- Pick one scene from Ken's vlog and count the clips used in that particular scene. Discuss what kind of effect these clips achieve on their own, and together. Discuss what you gain or lose by adding and removing clips.
- How would you describe the camera and editing style used in this vlog? Reflect on whether his chosen style is appropriate to the kind of story he is telling.
- What kind of special effects do you see in this vlog?
The Ordinary Day
Students are now invited to continue working with vlogging by focusing on everyday life. Depending on their experience with video production, they can choose either Option 1 or Option 2. In this task, the aim is to create a vlog that captures an ordinary day and presents everyday routines through storytelling.
Choose either option 1 or option 2.
In vlog groups, create a vlog about your ordinary day. Choose to focus on either a school day or the entire day, from morning to evening. Your vlog should include:
• A clear structure: beginning, middle, and end
• Voiceovers explaining your activities
• Facts about your school, city, and country
• Facts about yourself (e.g. Even’s unique breakfast)
• Clips where you speak directly to the camera
• Multiple video clips for each scene
In your vlog groups, create a vlog about your ordinary day, typical for someone your age living in your country. Your vlog should include:
• A clear structure: beginning, middle, and end
• Voiceovers explaining each activity (e.g. what is a typical Belgian breakfast)
• Facts about your school, city, and country
• Clips where you speak directly to the camera
• Multiple video clips for each scene
Vlog Production Process
Encourage groups to divide tasks. For example, if five pupils are working in a group, they do not all need to film the same activity unless it adds variety. Different scenes can be assigned to each group member, depending on what they want to showcase.
Plan scenes: Brainstorm and list the specific scenes to include.
Visual planning: Create a shot list for each scene.
Record footage: Use the shot list as a guide, adapting as needed during filming.
Rough edit: Assemble the clips in a timeline to structure the vlog. This will help guide the voiceovers.
Voiceovers: Write and record voiceovers, adjusting clip lengths to match the narration.
Editing Tips
Keep clips concise. For example, when showing someone drawing, it is not necessary to show the entire process. Short clips of outlining, colouring, and the final result can be more effective.
Close-ups of tools or facial expressions can also add variety.
Ensure that visuals and voiceovers work together to tell a cohesive story.
