It's in the Details!

Students will discuss how photographs bring the world closer to us. Teacher will show her photos from trips to China and Alaska to show students how they can be there with her. Students will select one photo to write about as a free write. Volunteers will read their writing to their peers.

After all students have read who wish to Teacher will return to her photos to discuss details such as flowers with dew and insects, glaciers with cracks or openings, plates of food with vibrant colors, sled dogs expressions before and after a training run, and general scenry photographs. Students will be asked what types of writing can be accomplished through these photographs.

Students will be given cameras to explore their environment, inside the classroom and outside on the school property. Teacher will give them free exploration time to get used to the cameras and all they can do.
Once the class is comfortable taking photographs they will be given a list of things to photograph such as: one upclose non-living object and one plant
: an action shot
: something colorful
: something geographic in nature
: something uniquely geometric
: looking from the ground up (lying on your back or kneeling)
: looking down upon an object

These photos will be uploaded to the class computer for all to view and discuss. Teacher may order them by type of photograph or by individual student. Each student will explain why a specific object to photograph was of interest. Class discussion to follow might include how particular photographs could be used in areas other than writing.

To close this lesson students will choose one photograph and write a poem or story of their chosing.