Giovanna M. Cucciniello
It is important for students to understand the art and concept of photography. It is not just about pointing and pressing a button; it’s a decision-making process. It is about capturing a moment, understanding the image being portrayed and the effects it conveys to the observer. Photography also helps kids look much more carefully at the world around them and helps them to better understand images, especially media, which they’re bombarded with every day. This unit will introduce photography in three stages, first by introducing a brief history of photography, second, by focusing on the life and works of Lewis Hine and third, discussing the subject of immigration as a theme in photography and allowing students the opportunity to compare, contrast and photograph their communities.
In order for students to grasp the importance of images and the power they have to convey messages without words, good modeling is essential. The teacher is introducing something new and exciting, students will lack the necessary vocabulary to communicate what they see effectively therefore students will be especially intent on reproducing what you do. The key concepts are being consistent, being purposeful and demonstrating respect. Introducing students to the invention of the photography and how it first began to manifest itself into the world will provide students with some background knowledge helpful in providing a context for the lesson.
