Blog2 – Memories Are Forever
Date: 11/04/2011
Since 20th century, the new revolutionized digital cameras hold a very important part in every person’s life to keep their memories alive. In early childhood centre, photographs are very useful media for communication because educators could share the activities done by the children in the centre with children’s families by using photographs. Walters(2006) says that photographs help staff and children to communicate children’s learning to families as they can be easily understood by family members who have little English language knowledge and those who are not confident with literacy and assist children to communicate their experiences(cited in Arthur, Beecher , Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2008).
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| 'D' trying to capture his drawings on camera |
This morning, I noticed a four year old boy, ‘D’ who was drawing a picture of ‘the sun and the moon’ by using felt pens. It was a very beautiful picture. I appreciated his art work and decided to take the photo of his drawings so that he could keep it with him and show it to his parents. I asked him if he had used a camera before. He said ‘No’. I suggested him to take a snap of his work by himself. He was very excited to use the digital camera and I gave him the camera. I taught him how to use and focus the camera towards his picture and to press the ‘click’ button when he was ready. He captured two snaps of his drawings. I think this experience will help him to develop his self confidence and self worth. It also enabled him to learn a new skill on how to use the camera. Te whariki says that children’s view and abilities are to be respected and valued (Ministry of Education, 1996)
Two other children were watching him while he was taking the photos and they also wanted to take pictures of D’s drawings. I allowed them to use the camera. Te Whāriki also states that in order to participate in this world, our children will need the confidence to develop their own perspectives as well as the capacity to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills (cited in Smorti, 1999). Usually, teachers take the pictures for copying children’s learning in to learning stories. I suggested ‘D’ to take print outs of his drawings, but unfortunately the printer was not working. He was very sad and I assured him that I will take the printouts for him from my home printer and that I will bring them to the centre the next day. He became happy upon my suggestion. But he missed an opportunity to learn the process of printing. By using the camera, ‘D’ gained a new skill and knowledge to take photos and also it enabled him to develop his skills such as concentration and focusing on the objects and it also helped him to develop his personal worth and confidence.
Great Liby, What a good idea to use the camera for D. I wanted to use the camera in our centre too but I had to use my own and was not allowed to use their printer. I did not ask if I was allowed to use their camera though. It was a shame that the printer was not working. Yes he did miss the opportunity in seeing the printer working. Could he not watch once the printer is fixed?It would be good if he could.
ReplyDeleteVeronica
It is a shame that teachers have to use their own equipment to enhance children's learning. Maybe you could write down everytime you have to use your own printer, or Veronica your own camera, and present it to managment as evidence of how important it is. The fun and joy that children get out of learning how to use digital cameras and then produce their own stories. This is also a super way of involving parents and families in their children's education.
ReplyDeleteCentres need to consider ICT resources that will support children's learning and curriculum goals. Maintence of ICT equipment does also need to be considered. Mind you If your centre had a blog that parents can access then you won't need to print out so many photos or learning stories.