One thing I’ve learned as a teacher is that you have to be able to laugh at yourself. More importantly, you have to be OK with the kids laughing at you sometimes, too. I’d like to think I’ve turned this into an art.
A perennial favorite in my class is my How 2 #App video, which I made a few years ago and “improve” for each new class. The premise is that I wanted to make a video to teach my fellow educators how to use social media apps for educational purposes — to speak the language these “youngsters” understand. I play up how hard I’ve worked on the video, and that I would really appreciate the students’ constructive criticism because I have to submit it soon.
The results vary widely, but it’s always a hoot. Some classes sit in empathetic silence, biting their tongues at each inaccuracy or blunder. Sometimes everyone looks around in confusing, stifling chuckles and giving each other strange looks. Other groups roar with laughter at the pure “cringe” of it all.
No matter what, we end up have a great discussion about how to give (and gracefully receive) constructive criticism. It’s my way of putting myself out there first, to show the kids that even a pro like me can make mistakes and learn from others.
So, consider making a terrible model text for your students — it shows them you’re a real person, gives them a chance to feel like the experts, and hopefully everyone can have a laugh during the process.
Below is the latest version of my video (Disclaimer: If you choose to watch, I can not give you those 6.5 minutes of your life back).
M. J. Lau 
Creativity abounds and astounds ! Well done . Looking forward to the new series .
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