Photography for children

Here’s a unique photo tip that just might benefit the entire family. If you’re tired of seeing your kids dragging themselves through school and hating every moment of it, trying giving them a "photo boost." It makes a fun weekend project, and your children just may learn that studying—with the right approach—can actually be fun.

Ask your children to contribute to a list outlining the major problems in the world today—from overpopulation and air pollution to poverty, race relations, divorce, and drugs.

Have each child select two major problem areas of special concern. Then have each make a photographic record of the problems (the neighborhood smokestack spouting soot, bumper-to-bumper cars lining the expressway, homeless dogs wandering the street).

Next, have each child "picture" possible solutions to the problems. A photo of a family riding their bicycles illustrates one way to cut down on air pollution from cars. A farmer tilling his fields illustrates one way to generate more food to help reduce world hunger.

When the photos come back from processing, have each child write a short caption for each of them, including what the problem is, and what some solutions might be.

This exercise helps to develop social awareness, logical thinking, creativity, and reading-and writing skills in children. It can be a one-time event or a monthly challenge. The rewards for your children will be escalating school grades and a marked sense of self-worth.

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