I Spy

Objectives: Students will collaborate with a peer in a manner that is appropriate and positive.

Students will learn basic photography skills with the digital camera.

Students will learn how to insert a picture into a document, resize, and crop it.

Students will show they understand the idea of rhythm and rhyming in their writing.

For third graders, "I Spy" books are a popular choice and this is a motivational project for them for that particular reason.

First, students should look through "I Spy" books of various themes and discuss as a whole group what they notice in the photos and text. Bring attention to the camera angle the photographer uses for each picture, so students begin to think about this. After generating a list, students will brainstorm various themes they might try to create in their "I Spy" book.

Students may also explore websites that are related to "I Spy".

Students will work with a partner, decide on their theme, and bring items to school for their photo shoot. This part of the project seems to take students longer, because they like to move and arrange their pieces, so setting a time limit is helpful. Students also need to keep in mind which angle After creating their scene, students will photograph their set.

The next step is for students to insert the picture into a document. They may crop and adjust the photo as needed. Students will then need to create and type in the rhyme they come up with for their picture.

Upon completion of this project, students can print out their pictures and text, then compile them into a booklet that can be "published" and shared in a variety of ways - such as with buddies of a younger grade level, families, or in the school library.

Students may take this project one step farther and record themselves reading the text. Inserting their photo into a slideshow, with their recording is a fun way to share this project at an open house or online.