Activity Description

Preparation:

1. Create a system for students to store their photos collectively and place it in an accessible area
        a. This could take many forms, depending on resources and preferences
            • For example, a computer folder or program could be used to upload images or a binder could be used with plastic sleeves to hold copies of photographs
2. Create a bright and inviting display where students can post their chosen pictures and descriptions
3. Take a picture of an object in the school
4. Write a short text related to the picture
        a. The text should make sense for the ability level of the class
        b. For example, text may only be a one or two word label or a full sentence/paragraph
 

Implementation:

1. Introduce the activity by showing the students the photo library display
        a. Ask students what they think a photo library is
2. Show students the picture taken in the preparation stage and explain reasons for choosing the picture
3. Ask students to brainstorm ideas about what could be written about for a photo description
4. On the chart paper, model writing a description of the picture
5. Ask the students to start collecting/taking photos of other students, school personnel, and the school
    environment
        a. Discuss the etiquette of taking photos (what is appropriate and what is not)
        b. Demonstrate how to add photos to the class storage system
6. Once enough pictures have been collected, have students choose a photo they would like to write about
7. Students can use their pictures to write various descriptive texts
        a. Text type should match the students’ interests and abilities
            • For example, students can write simple labels, descriptive sentences, paragraphs, ‘all about  ____’ books, news stories, narratives, interviews, vocabulary books, procedure books, biographies, alphabet books, poetry collections
        b. Explicitly explain and model how to write your chosen text type
        c. Encourage students to use the photo library and their chosen photo to give more depth and interest to their writing  
9. Invite students to share their finished writing with the class
10. Present completed photos and texts in the photo library display 

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Scribe what the student would like to write about in the picture
- Check for understanding of instructions and task
- Create a draft of the text that corresponds with the picture

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Repeat instructions to add clarity
- Provide greater time when writing text
- Scaffold text and writing ideas or provide sentence starters

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Provide extensive opportunities to explore the community, focusing on a variety of aspects
- Engage all students by allowing them to take individual photos of meaningful subjects

Differentiated Instruction:

- Allow for peer pairing
- Provide explicit instructions on strategies for writing a detailed description of the photos
- Provide sentence stems

Related References

Source and Evidence: 
Gabriel, R., & Gabriel, M. (2010). Power in pictures: How a schoolwide photo library can build a community of readers and writers. The Reading Teacher, 63(8), 679-682.