I have made some AMAZINGLY thorough, BEAUTIFUL annual reports over the years. I love doing them--they give me a sense of accomplishment in reflecting over the year's accomplishments and challenges. They give me stretch goals that drive my instruction the next year. And I sent them out to everyone, with pride, even posting them on my website.
Yet when I tried to have conversations with anyone regarding the program, I was stunned, STUNNED I tell you. No one could talk details. Of a 12-page report.
Well, duh. No one has time to read, especially not adults.
Enter the infographic. My #1 collaborator @Ms_Frederick and I had done an infographic research project with students, and I had created them several times with students for 6th grade science as well as 12th grade career research. I always made examples of my own and marveled at how much consideration and synthesis it takes to create one.
Still, I was afraid that an infographic annual report was a cop-out. I double-checked with our county coordinator, and she assured me that it was fine. I'm really glad, too. I got a creative boost and STILL got the insights from reflecting on the program's goals and results for the year. I used a free template in PowerPoint from hubspot and adjusted it to fit my content and new school colors.
I won't say everyone read it, but it was a simple way to advocate for my program. Even a cursory glance from a parent or faculty member is more than I had ever received before. I'm glad I went visual.
*Hyperbole, of course. I have some great friends. And my mom. Yeah. Mostly my mom.
Yet when I tried to have conversations with anyone regarding the program, I was stunned, STUNNED I tell you. No one could talk details. Of a 12-page report.
Well, duh. No one has time to read, especially not adults.
Enter the infographic. My #1 collaborator @Ms_Frederick and I had done an infographic research project with students, and I had created them several times with students for 6th grade science as well as 12th grade career research. I always made examples of my own and marveled at how much consideration and synthesis it takes to create one.
Still, I was afraid that an infographic annual report was a cop-out. I double-checked with our county coordinator, and she assured me that it was fine. I'm really glad, too. I got a creative boost and STILL got the insights from reflecting on the program's goals and results for the year. I used a free template in PowerPoint from hubspot and adjusted it to fit my content and new school colors.
I won't say everyone read it, but it was a simple way to advocate for my program. Even a cursory glance from a parent or faculty member is more than I had ever received before. I'm glad I went visual.
*Hyperbole, of course. I have some great friends. And my mom. Yeah. Mostly my mom.