Photographs are a great
way to capture momentous occasions, achievements and progress of the children
throughout the school year. Until the availability of digital cameras, this
form of documentation could take several days, weeks if not months to complete.
Although the end result would still be worth using, the moment and
meaningfulness could well be lost. Now, the use of a digital camera, along with
an adequate printer, allows the classroom teacher so many more opportunities to
enhance the children’s learning experience without the delay.
Although there are
numerous ways to utilize a digital camera in a program, below are some
suggestions to help get started.
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PORTFOLIOS –
Pictures are an effective way to illustrate and document a child’s progress,
development and achievements. With young children there are not always products
to share with parents or family members, that’s when a
photograph would be a great component.
·
PICTURE BOOKS – The
options with this idea are endless. Classroom, social, transition, event,
personal, thematic and biographical stories are just a few examples of the
different types of stories that can be created. This is an excellent language
and literacy activity, along with becoming a treasured keepsake.
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CLASSROOM LABELS –
Participating in re-ordering the room at the end of activity time is something
the children are expected to do. Labeling the shelf spaces is an effective way
to help the children know exactly where an item goes. This also serves as a
matching and classifying activity for them. Since there are materials that are
often shared among classrooms, the accompanying label needs to also be
portable. Taking a picture, laminating or covering it with clear contact and
attaching Velcro to the back gives the ability to do this.
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ACTIVITY MATERIALS –
Games and activities such as lotto, matching, sequencing and sorting can be
easily made. This would help reduce the cost, along with customizing the
materials that have significance and meaning for the children.
A note about digital cameras – If your program does not already own one, then here are a few suggestions of options to consider when purchasing one. Many times there is one camera for all to share and the pictures are saved on a memory stick. In order to continue taking pictures the ones saved need to be downloaded. There are cameras that offer the option for each classroom to have their own disc. That way when someone needs the camera they do not have to worry about whether or not there is space available. Another feature to consider is the ability to take videos. This would eliminate the need to have two cameras. One last thought – there are some digital cameras that are inexpensive and quite durable. This may be something to purchase so the children have the opportunity to take their own pictures.