Have you ever noticed how looking through the lens of a camera helps you focus on the subject matter? For young learners, looking through the lens of a camera helps them to focus on the the subject. Afterward, they have a picture to help recreate and recall details of their experience.
My preschool students are bright and eager to learn.
An important part of preschool learning is being able to have hands-on experiences. Our school is situated in a city neighborhood safe enough to take walking field trips. As a part of my student's hands-on learning experience, we walk through our neighborhood looking for a variety of objects that reinforce classroom lessons. We've looked for street signs and discussed what they mean, we've looked for shapes, signs of spring and fall, and constructed a map using photographs of neighborhood landmarks. My students learning experience will be enhanced by having enough cameras for children to use while participating in these walking field trips. Instead of me documenting their experience, they will document their own experience using the 4 requested cameras. In the classroom, students will be able to photograph/document work that is not permanent such as block and Lego structures. They'll be able to revisit/recreate their structures.
My Project
Through the use of these cameras, my students will be better able to focus on and understand the lesson being taught. Upon returning to the classroom, pictures taken can be used to recall details, make a class book about our experience, and serve as a "souvenir" to share with parents and family. Using the pictures will also help develop language and conversational skills. Photographs often empower "quiet" children into sharing with the rest of the class. For visual learners, the use of the camera will enable them to focus on the lesson and printed photos will help them recall details of the experience. Photos taken with the cameras will allow parents to get a "snapshot" of the learning that is happening in their child's classroom which can provoke at-home discussions to reinforce the learning.
This project will allow hands-on and visual learners to become more fully engaged in lessons being taught in my classroom.
The use of these cameras will encourage children to be active and engaged learners. Active and engaged learners equals successful students.
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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 Mrs. Dunleavy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.