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Just imagine the look on a child's face as he/she picks up the camera and goes searching for an insect to photograph, or the interactions that happen as a group of children pose forming the letter "Q"?  
The possibilities are endless--especially if you let the children explore their creative sides.  

How can you use a camera to teach academics, you ask?? 
Well, let's have a look, shall we?

Science and Math

• talking about sorting items? take a picture of a group of items that are the same in some manner (ex.: same texture, material, purpose)

• insects are the interest of the day? photograph some insects to create an information package, a bulletin board, placemats, brochures for an "insect museum"

• found a bird's nest? take a photograph rather than moving the nest...remember to capture it from different angles (photograph all of nature's treasures rather than removing them)

• graphing items? take photographs of the category items to use in the headings of the graphing chart

• learning to count? create a counting board, matching numbers to pictures of groups of items (1 set, 2 set, 3 set, 4)

• gravity? who was it again that 'discovered' gravity?? and how did it happen? Research it, then re-enact it and capture it in a photograph

• got a rock hound there? take close-ups of rocks, showing their colours and textures; then compare them and research the type

• what distinct 'geographic features' makes up your region? photograph some settings to demonstrate the characteristics

• natures' homes? photograph creatures (including people) along with their natural settings; where do they live? what do they eat?

• into astronomy? try to capture the night's sky in a photograph and determine the constellations and other significant aspects of the evening

• talking about geometry? where can you find a pentagon? an equilateral triangle?  parallel lines? spheres?

• what is a "bird's eye view"? or a caterpillar's? photograph your world from different perspectives

• using comparison to demonstrate understanding? show how an item is unique by photographing it and something else with contrasting features

• how does linear perspective work? take a photo of two children (same height) standing some distance apart; compare their height, drawing lines from head to head, toe to toe, shoulder to shoulder etc. 

• drawing a 3d object? photograph it and trace over the lines, learning how they overlap, relate to each other

• learning about trees? photograph different parts of a variety of trees (the leaves, branches, bark), making note of all its characteristics; take a picture of it in all seasons; compare trees, match leaves to bark

 

• the poetry corner: "write" the poem you've read in a photograph ... how would you illustrate the poem with a picture?
• or what about this: take a photograph of an object or view and compose a poem about it.  Does it convey a mood, a history lesson, ?
• don't forget phonics: "fotograf" items that begin with the same sound, or end with it, or rhyme, etc.
• share a book: create a board book for a toddler; take photographs of common objects and label the pictures
• don't forget the Seniors: interview a Grandparent and write a book "This is Your Life" (including pictures of course)
• illustrate stories: compose a story or book and add pictures; put yourself in the story, or your community
• picture story: create a sequential story using only pictures; compose several written stories using the same photographs.  How are the stories different?
• drama productions: keep a journal of the event, from start to finish, using photographs to illustrate the process
• organization: use pictures to assist in organizational skills--not only in schedules and routines but also in story lines
• a picture says a thousand words: take a picture and list as many words as you can that describe it
• rhyming: make a collage of pictures of things that rhyme: cats, hats, mats, vats, and some child with a sense of humour will add a picture of their friend.. the brat :)
• letter symbols: take a photo of an object (ex. Cat) trace the letter symbol on the photo ("C") and cut it out.. Guess what the object is, using the letter symbol as a cue
• rebus books: create a story inserting photographs for specific words (replace nouns, verbs, adjectives)

 

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