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Using digital photography to enhance your child's learning

Content starts here
» Digital photography is for learning
» Ideas for younger children
» Ideas for older kids
» Inspire your kids with digital photography
A child learning to take digital photos with an HP digital camera

Introduction

Tapped-in teachers use digital cameras to bring everything from science to history to learning ABCs to life. It works because digital photography is so much fun, and it motivates kids to observe, focus, and see schoolwork with new eyes. Learn how you can use your digital camera to reinforce learning at home.

Digital photography is for learning


Chances are, your child has been exposed to digital photography through classroom projects. Whether documenting science experiments, creating photo essays for social studies, or exploring mathematical concepts, many teachers have discovered that the digital camera is a powerful tool for learning.

Kids learn best when they're actively engaged—doing things—and digital photography is a perfect match because it's hands on, something kids can do themselves. Plus, digital photography offers a fun way to tackle difficult subjects, and taps into different learning styles.

For instance, some children learn best by seeing information—they like charts and graphs, films, maps, and pictures. Others learn best when they're moving or building things. Digital photography helps kids develop a wide range of learning skills, and use different strengths.

You can take advantage of these strengths at home, too. Help kids get started taking pictures, and watch their creativity-and motivation to learn-grow.

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Ideas for younger children


Younger children need help making the leap between abstract ideas and the actual things they represent. Digital photography can help bridge this gap.

Go on a picture hunt to bring learning into everyday activities. Each time you go out, have your child focus on a single subject. Here are a few to choose from:

  • Shapes: Triangles, squares, octagons-go out for a walk and have your child take pictures of all the triangles she sees.

  • Colors: What is red? A stop sign? A fire engine?

  • ABCs: Have your child snap from apple to zipper (or ziti or maybe your zirconium jewels!)

  • Textures: Soft might be clouds, or your child's favorite stuffed animal.

  • Beloved people: Grandma, grandpa, her best friend at school, her teacher. Your child will enjoy taking pictures of everyone special in her world.

The bonus is you'll have a wonderful window into how your child sees the world, as well as precious pictures for a scrapbook or album such as those available free from the HP Activity Centre.

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Ideas for older kids


Once your kids enter the upper elementary grades, and on through middle and high school, count on lots of reports and projects to complete. Here's how the digital camera can assist:

  • Science: Science experiments require step-by-step documentation, and with a digital camera, young Einsteins can capture every phase of the action. Perfect for science fairs, too. Have kids practice by photographing a sequence of steps, such as boiling pasta or making cookies.

  • History: By photographing historic sites and artifacts in your community, kids will discover that the past shapes their world. They can also experiment with vintage visual effects like sepia tone using the HP Design Gallery, available on many HP digital cameras.

  • English and language arts: Today's book reports have morphed to PowerPoint presentations. Digital photographs add visual depth and interest to these efforts.

  • Math: Make math concepts real with digital images. Fractions (half a pie, a quarter cup of milk); geometric shapes (an equilateral triangle over the court house doorway, for instance)—these help kids see math outside the classroom.

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Inspire your kids with digital photography


Kids are fascinated with digital photography and cameras. Feed their enthusiasm with a zoo photo safari or a photo-filled road-trip.

Find a kid-friendly printer with our printer buying guide.

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