My students need 14 digital cameras, 18 memory cards and batteries to see the world in a whole new way through photography to motivate, engage and excite them about learning!
When you are struggling to find a topic to write about, how much easier and more exciting would it be if you had a bright, brilliant photo of an engaging subject staring you in the face? Many of my students are new to the country and using photography to improve their writing will be a true thrill!
My students are the hardworking sons and daughters of recent immigrants, primarily from countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.
The truly care about school and take true pride in their work.
The students are truly passionate about what they do. They take their roles as students seriously and always give their all. Many students in upper grades help out the lower grades and feel that they are making a difference as do the teachers. They are friendly, respectful, cooperative, engaging and will become the leaders of tomorrow.
Their parents are hardworking and care about education. They have made true sacrifices to bring their children to the US. With those sacrifices, come high hopes, and expectations for school to be a world-changer for them. That's where we come in! Our school is a Title 1 school with high poverty level of 86%. Despite this, our culturally diverse population holds education in high regard and show academic growth and excellence each year.
My Project
Imagine sitting in a room thinking about what to write. Many ideas are swirling around in your head. The details of one person, event or experience are merging with those of others. You can't quite remember what happened. It struck you as powerful and memorable, but right now, you can't recall the details.
Now, let's try this again but this time you have a beautiful photograph of the carnival you went to or the sand castle you built or maybe even helping out your brother. The memories are flooding back and fill your mind. You transport yourself into the photo and are reliving that magical time in your life so powerfully!
You are inside your photograph visually seeing, hearing, and smelling what you were experiencing; and, most importantly, thinking and feeling what was going through your mind and body during that special time. Now how much easier and exciting is it to write about it! A poem or letter or a short story or a non-fiction piece! Writing becomes a wonderful experience! My students need a variety of materials including a class set of cameras, wireless printer, AAA batteries, and memory cards to make this class project come to life.
My students love photography.
Their parents have cameras, but they do not. These will be for use by the students in the classroom! To take pictures of people, places and things that are important to them, that move them, that inspire, motivate and engage them.
Virtually all of my students are still learning the language and these cameras are a new way to express themselves. To take photographs that will complement, improve and push them to new and higher levels of learning.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Kniss and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.