Kids and photography
Cameras are an important homeschooling tool for us.
The boys' photographs never fail to impress me. They notice and focus on things I didn't see. They capture the experience from their own kid perspective. And they never fail to highlight the things that mean the most to them.
Invariably, I think their pictures tell a more accurate (and more humorous) story than mine.
We use cameras for snapshots, making art, communicating with friends and family, field trips, journaling. We also use them just to help us focus more — taking them on a walk in the woods, for example. We notice so much more when we bring our cameras, because we're really looking — looking to see what's there, searching for things that are interesting — instead of just talking and walking.
I notice that they tend to zoom in closer than I would sometimes, and often they step back and take much more in than I would.
They are very creative, and they come up with ideas I'd have never thought of.
Like other types of artwork (drawings, paintings), photographs give us a starting point for interesting conversations and the boys have a different, non-writing way to take notes. They can catalog interests, questions, ideas. The boys' photographs become a jumping-off point for conversations that might lead to something as simple as looking up a type of tree and as complex as what the symbols on cemetary markers mean. The cameras are our tools, and their photographs become our resource materials.
All photographs except the top one were taken by my sons, at ages 4 through 10.
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“The book spells out the different steps in implementing student-directed projects, and every chapter has an inspiring list of specific ideas/formats. My only complaint is I want more — I can’t wait to read what Pickert publishes next.”
“[A] must read for all parents and educators who are interested in raising/encouraging children to take charge of their education and make learning a lifestyle and not just a chore. This book is filled with practical advice…”
“There is so much practical, useful information in this book. … Pickert gives us the tools to be great mentors to our kids.”
“In addition to teaching how to do project-based homeschooling it’s like a manual on how to live.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
“Although the title says ‘Project-Based Homeschooling,’ it is really something that any parent could incorporate into their lives, homeschooling or regular schooling.”
“Brilliantly written book, easy to read, easy to follow, well organised, stuffed full of easy to follow and idea-provoking tips for enjoying learning and supporting children of all ages. ... As a librarian and advocate of life long learning, I can’t tell you what a joy this book is to read — affirming, inspiring and practical.”
“Her writing style is really accessible, witty and flows beautifully; she paints a picture of a world you can’t help but want to be a part of. This isn’t a vague philosophy, this is a how-to book that empowers parents to empower their children.”
“For those new to homeschooling and even those such as myself, who have been homeschooling for years, this book will be the one you have on hand at all times. Easy to read, intelligent, heartfelt, inspiring and honest!”
“I can't recommend it highly enough.”
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“[H]er new book … synthesizes so much wisdom about homeschooling from a project-based perspective.”
“[O]verflowing with ideas for any parent who’d like to encourage more self-directed learning in their kids.”
“Do yourself a favor and read this book with a highlighter and pencil in hand.”
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“Anyone who considers themselves the ultimate guardian of their children’s education … will find ideas to think about and act upon.”
“[A] rare book that both inspired me to make changes in the way I homeschool and gave me the practical means to make them.”
“[T]his isn't just a homeschooling book. It is a guide to parenting.”
“[I]t’s a revolutionary vision of how kids can learn — and an idea book for making that learning happen.”
“What Pickert has done with her book is explain in an easy-to-read and practical manner what parents can do at home to ensure that children will take charge of their own education and gain essential skills. If that sounds far-fetched, I suggest you read the book.”
“There are only a handful of books that I can honestly say have changed my life. This … is one of those books.”
3 comments
those photos are all amazing! I especially love the cows in the field and the last one - the peephole!
I like to hear people's thinking behind stuff. As I never went to university I think I totally missed out on that theory stuff - so I am always totally amazed when people think about things.
Ah, oh! Does that mean I am winging it all the time?! I like to think I run on gut instinct alone !! ha ha!
good job guys on the photo taking. they are wonderful.
thank you, tonya, i will pass that along :^)
thank you, charlotte, too! that last peephole shot, my son took through a grommet .. his idea .. what a genius.
on our trip west, my younger son took a picture *through* the lens of one of those machines that act like binoculars (lord, i hope you know what i mean!) .. they are so creative.
i went to university, and i am still amazed when people think about things! (they so often don't...)
gut instinct .. winging it .. i think it's the same! you have a great gut instinct, that's what's important. :^)
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