Communicating Through Photography in a Non-Verbal World
My students need a MacBook Air to work on their photographs, editing, and to complete our new project where they can learn the core subjects through photographs.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Sara's classroom raised $2,012
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. I've developed a way to teach the core subjects through photography. I've designed lessons that teach math, literacy skills, social studies, and science, through photography.
The students in the class have various, mixed disabilities.
Each student is very unique in abilities and personalities. Half of the class are non-verbal emerging readers. Therefore, using photography, as an educational tool, has proved to be effective. Last year, I completed a 40 day, artist-in-residency, while 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 students create their own photos. They edit the photos on a computer, and print them out. They make connections to the real world, and present their work to their peers. Also, we're excited to have been offered a gallery exhibition, at the end of this school year, and will share with the community!
My Project
Through previous generous donations, the class has the camera equipment, a photo printer, and iPads needed to start this project. However, we are still in need of a MacBook, in order to edit the photographs in iphoto. 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. I will use this laptop, as a teaching tool, to 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 and technology through photography, literacy skills by writing about their images, and they will use photography to create a science journal.
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, the chance to learn in a visual, kinesthetic, or tactile way! All of these students come to life, and are fully engaged, when I give them the opportunity to use photography as a tool to learn the core subjects.
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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