Photos around that I can write about

Children will be assigned the cameras each morning so that they can take many candid shots of everyday school life. The photos will be printed out as black and white copies on 8 1/2 X 11 sheets of paper. The teacher will use plan time at first and later teach students in small groups how to download the photos.

Students will write about each photo during writer's workshop. The photos will help the students remember what they do each day. It will be catalogued in the computer and will lead to a chronicle of what happens in the life of a Kindergartener or a First Grader. Photos will be placed in weekly newsletters and later edited in Photostory as an essay on life in Kindergarten or First Grade.

We believe in authentic writing. Often students will have writer's block. The photos will jog memories and help them write a story. The teacher can use the photos to elicit more details from the writer. The pictures with stories will be posted in the hallway for all to read. Kindergarteners-Fifth Graders walk down our hallway. They will enjoy reading the stories. Visitors and parents will see what a day in the life of a student at Carrie Busey Elementary is like as well.

The students can plan and use the photos for "How to" Books with step by step pictures on how to complete a task. This is another component of our writing workshop. They might make "All About Me" books which highlight their individualness.

All students will be using the camera. The special needs students can take pictures of visiting a resource teacher. By allowing all students to use the cameras, it will put everyone on a level playing field. Those with special needs for more vocabulary will utilize the word wall to find words to accompany their pictures. They can also ask other students to help with the writing.

This project promotes creativity and literacy. It also helps put meaning to activities as well as enriching vocabulary, The project is differentiated and allows limitless ways and styles to photograph. It provides a documentation of our school year for future reference or for future celebrations such as our upcoming 50th year as a school.