the magic of pictures to SPARK thinking and learning
the magic of pictures to SPARK thinking and learning
We are currently doing recount in preparation for LAN testing. The pictures have been fantastic to explain and inspire the children to write detailed recounts. For example we used two pictures of newborn birds as our inspiration for the events. The children then had to write the orientation and concluding statement which was a challenge but great for them.
Extend children — I have two gifted children and another five who are very creative, enthusiastic learners. I have often used the pictures and asked them things like ‘where do you think the photo was taken?’, ‘what do you think happened straight after/ before the photo?’ and so forth. The children love this and see the activity as a reward. I have also used the photos in a similar way for three special needs children to promote discussion.
Poetry — the pictures gave wonderful inspiration for poetry, especially for those children who have difficulties brainstorming ideas.
Displays — the children enjoy using the pictures to enhance our daily prayer sessions, especially when their topic is nature, friends or families.
Sequencing — early in the year I found a number of children found it difficult to sequence events in their stories. We used the pictures to brainstorm a sequence of events that led to the shot being taken (sometime the picture was the last event, sometimes first or middle)
The Picture Magic photograph of the baby birds (with no feathers) was placed on the floor. A group of 4 children aged 3 and 4 years gathered. The children were asked…
“What do you notice about this picture?”
Ashley: “They are baby birds”
Frank: “There are feathers around them”
Facilitator: “What do you think the feathers are for?”
Frank: “To keep the birds warm”
The children then began talking amongst themselves.
Frank and Patrick’s conversation follows:
Frank: “Do you know why the birds are red?”
Patrick: “No”
Frank: “Because they are babies and when they grow up they will have feathers. When they are born they have no feathers at all.”
Patrick: “And what else Frank?”
Frank: “Can you see that orange leaf?”
Patrick: “Yeah”
Frank: “It fell on the babies and they went squawk. They tried to fly away but they fell in the water. Then mum dived into the water and flew with the babies on her back right back into the nest. And then the babies loved it, so they did it again.
Frank is 4 yr and Patrick is 3.5 yr. This was very exciting as Frank usually sits back in a group and doesn’t willingly offer any information or contribute. His response was most unexpected.