A Tool for
Creative Teaching

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Bonnie Blagojevic and Anne Sprague

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Document children’s learning

Photos can offer information to use in your planning and help make a child’s learning come alive for families.

Watch a child at work and play. Record what you see using both words and images. Include these in each child’s portfolio. Use the “movie mode,” available on many digital cameras, to record children’s language use and conversations with each other and to document and assess learning in all areas.

Display photos of children’s projects. Next to the photos, be sure to write the children’s questions, theories, what they did to find answers, how they worked together, and what they learned. Such displays help explain the learning process to families and children.

Partner with families

Families love to see photos you take of their children. There’s no better conversation starter or way to strengthen your partnership. Be prepared: have extra take-home copies available.

Create computer slide shows. Use individual and family photos. Show one in the morning to welcome children and parents, one at pickup time, and one at family meetings and events. Be sure to include all children and to obtain the appropriate consent forms.

Create class books. Photo-illustrated books can become part of a family lending library.

Illustrate classroom newsletters. Include photos in print or electronic formats.

Invite families to share photos. Post photos from home throughout the room (not just in individual cubbies).

Explain children’s learning. Show how children’s play, projects, and activities are linked to early learning standards.

Keep up to date on technology. Tools such as e-mail, Web sites, online photo sharing, and online portfolios can give you more ways to connect with families.

Conclusion

Your digital camera is a valuable tool. So if you aren’t sure about how to use it or aren’t using it to the fullest, get out the user’s guide and study up. Or ask someone to show you. Try it out! The possibilities for using photos in your classroom are endless!

 

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