CLICK!

 

 

I presented a new session on digital photography at SDE's Nation I Teach K conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was called Digital Photography in the Classroom: A Click-by-Click Guide.

 

 



  I led the participants through many different ways to use photography as a teaching tool in kindergarten classrooms. I shared fun ideas for using both teacher and student generated photos in all areas of the curriculum.  Take a look at a few ideas! Now go try them out!

Things in Our Classroom - School Days 

For this learning game that will help your students spell out the names of everyday school items, you will need common items usually found in every classroom. Photograph the classroom items; a table, crayons, markers, pencils, stapler, paintbrushes, etc. Use a marker to print the name of each item below the matching photo. Place the photos, magnetic boards (or cookie sheets) and a container of magnetic letters at a learning station. Children spell out the names of the school items using the picture/word cards and the magnetic letters.  Extension: Students write the words.

 



 

 

Life cycle of a Butterfly - final stage

Students made the four stages of the development of a butterfly out of materials found in nature.  This particular "butterfly" was made out of wood scraps and tree "cookies."

 

Whenever students use "real" objects or items from nature, take a photograph of the final product and leave the natural items where they belong - in nature.  You can also take a picture when students don't want to put a finished puzzle or Lego creation away.  The photograph is a reminder of the finished product and lets students know their work is valued.


  

 

 Here's a great example of leave nature where you found it.  Children collected Fall leaves and other items from nature and made an "art exhibit" on the playground.  At the end of the day, pictures were taken, enlarged and displayed in the classroom while the objects from nature . . .  stayed where they belong!