I spend most of my blogging time writing about cooking, baking, sewing projects, home decor, organization, and gardening. In addition, I write about literacy on my other blogs, which ties into my teaching career. One thing I haven’t shared too much about is my new professional adventure.
Sometime last year I was selected as part of Clever Girls to participate in a blogging campaign for LeapFrog. I hadn’t done any product reviews on my blog, other than just letting people know about something I had purchased that I thought was cool. I absolutely LOVE LeapFrog products, so it was a dream come true for me to review their products, and I was beyond thrilled to have the opportunity. I reviewed a book and a game for LeapFrog and was able to keep in contact with a few new friends from the company. From there, I was invited to join a few webinars, review a few more products, and eventually they flew me down to California to learn more about their product development.
Last November, I had a conference call with a few ladies from LeapFrog. They were looking for some new content on their new app and website. They liked what they had seen on my blog and wanted me to do those type of activities, writing, and photography for them. Friends, for a teacher this is like being asked to play basketball with the Dream Team.
Dream. Come. True.
One thing led to another, and after several months of contract, insurance, and legal stuff, I was officially writing content and taking photos for LeapFrog. That brings me to today’s new adventure! At 10am, a video production crew showed up at my house!
They checked out the lighting in different rooms in my house, and decided that they wanted to do two different video shoots, using two different locations (and wardrobe changes). Seriously… someone pinch me because this cannot be real.
They brought a ton of gear with them. There were big fancy lights and I was set up with one of these microphones that attach to the back of your pants. (That was the part of the day that made me realize that this was really happening! I’m not sure why attaching the microphone to my pants made it seem like the real deal, but that was when I got nervous.)
Once they were all set up, they started filming. They asked me questions about how I use LeapFrog products in the classroom and my opinions, from a teacher’s standpoint.
Then, we had a location and wardrobe change. The next few videos were all related to articles that LeapFrog had asked me to write for them. Talk about unreal!!! Writing articles for LeapFrog?? Creating videos based on my articles?? I seriously cannot believe it!
I didn’t get any pictures of the video taping in progress, but I thought the pictures of the film crew would give you a good idea of how I spent my day.
Pinch me. I think I’m still dreaming!
The Comments
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
Oh my how fabulous. Congratulations!!!!! This is so awesome, and I am thrilled for you. Hugs, Marty
Amanda Magee
Personally, i'm jealous!
My boys have been diehard LeapFrog users all their lives, Ali's just turned 16 and one of his very first toys was the Baby Tad, moving onto the first reading toys that they developed, which my 12 year old and 6 year old step son still play with from time to time, giving their Leapster Explorers, LeapReaders and LeapPad's a rest!
I think it's absolutely fantastic that they've given you the recognition and paid you back with some thanks and acknowledgement for your support and promotion of their products. Well done!
homeiswheremystorybegins@gmail.com
> Amanda MageeThanks Amanda! It's been a lot of fun!
Tina
Becca, Thanks for sharing those behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot–we're excited to see how everything turned out! And we're just as excited to be working with you! –Tina @LeapFrog
homeiswheremystorybegins@gmail.com
> TinaThanks Tina! I can't wait to see how the videos turn out!