Communicating Through Photography in a Non-Verbal World
My students need a photo printer, photo paper and ink for 200 prints.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Sara's classroom raised $377
This project is fully funded
My Students
I have been working very long and hard to create a project that meets the unique needs of these special students. The project is titled: Communicating Through Photography in a Non-verbal World. I've developed a way to teach the core subjects through photography.
The students in the class have various, mixed disabilities.
Each student is very unique in abilities and personalities. Half the class are non-verbal emerging readers. Therefore, using photography as an educational tool has proven to be effective. Last year, I completed a 40 day artist-in-residency teaching these students photography. This year I was appointed a classroom teacher. Through this experience, I've found that photography "levels the playing field" and builds self-confidence. I've been writing lesson plans to teach literacy, math, communication development, history, and social justice through taking pictures. For example, at it's core all the lessons follow a similar format: we discuss photos, the student create their own photos, they print them out, make connections to the real world and present to their peers.
My Project
Through previous generous donates the class currently has the camera equipment and iPads needed to start this project. However, we are still in need of a photo printer and the materials to make the printed photos. Without these resources the students miss a lot of what is behind the teaching principals of this project. For instance, I am following a teaching standard approach: using knowledge of effective verbal, non-verbal and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom. With these new printers, I will identify and develop modes of culturally sensitive communication. I will model asking questions, create rich discussions, convey ideas and draw connections. The lessons have an interdisciplinary connection. For example students will learn math/technology through photography, literacy skills by writing about their images, or using photography to create a science journal.
These printers give students the opportunity to learn the core subjects in a new way.
Many of them have been in school approximately ten years and are still not able to read. I want to try this innovative approach to building their academic skills through self-expression and the art of photography. This also gives these students who are non-traditional learners to learn in a visual, kinesthetic or tactile way!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Sara and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.