Recently my daughter, Allie, had her 10th birthday (I know I look waaaay too young.)  Anyway, I decided to get her a camera because she is so interested in mine.  I thought a camera would be a fun activity for her but realized that, as with many presents for children, it could just be a flash in the pan.  I decided to get one of the toddler cameras, partially because they are cheaper, and partially because they are advertised to take some abuse.  

I think this was the best gift I ever gave Allie.  She immediately took photos of all of us and then went on to still life photography.  By this I mean she took photos of everything that could not escape her, including about a dozen different perspectives of her own foot.  This went on for about a week and then I showed her some of the features of the camera and how to line up shots and take a good picture.  Since then she has taken some really good photos.   The really interesting thing is that she takes photos from some strange angles that I would not use, but they often turn out well.

Here is one that she took of our dog, Jill. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dscentre/3899202657/

And another of a friend.    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dscentre/3899202827/
                   
She takes time to line up her shots so they are not random, but meaningful glimpses of how she views the world.  I feel that viewing her photographs has helped me to understand her a bit better because I see what she views as important and what features she emphasizes.  I also think the opportunity to creatively express herself this way is great.

OK, there is also the teacher side of me.  I think the camera is wonderful also because it provides a visual vehicle to have a conversation about what she did.  We talk about the visit to the zoo when looking at the photos and I can get my language targets into the conversation.  I highly recommend getting your child a camera and regret not doing it sooner for my own daughter!

© Ann Haig Wheeler, DSC 2009

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