Body Alphabet Book: Digital Photography

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science
English Language Arts

Grade(s)

K

Overview

Students take photographs of themselves making the shapes of letters. They use the ear for the letter C, their mouth for the letter O, or use their entire body and their peer to create the letter B. Let students get creative and create the alphabet with their body. Compile all the letters into a digital alphabet book in which the students must guess which letter the students are trying to represent in the photograph. 

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): KG

DLCS18.K.R1

Identify, demonstrate, and apply personal safe use of digital devices.

UP:DLCS18.K.R1

Vocabulary

  • information
  • devices
  • software

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to identify responsible uses of devices.
  • how to identify responsible uses of software.
  • how to remember internet safety rules.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • identify responsible uses of devices: keeping them clean, correct methods for use.
  • identify responsible uses of software.
  • remember internet safety rules.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • they are responsible for using devices carefully to ensure they work and do not get broken.
  • there are correct ways to use software.
  • it is important to follow all rules when working on a computer.
  • they should only work on a computer when an adult is helping them.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): KG

DLCS18.K.R6

Produce, review, and revise authentic artifacts that include multimedia using appropriate digital tools.

UP:DLCS18.K.R6

Vocabulary

  • text
  • image

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to type or use speech to text to type basic letters and words.
  • how to delete letters and words.
  • how to resize an image.
  • how to move an image around.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • type and edit text.
  • resize and move images.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • an artifact created digitally can be reviewed and revised easily and in the same platform.
  • text and images can be used together to convey an idea or information.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): KG

DLCS18.K.2

Demonstrate use of input devices.

UP:DLCS18.K.2

Vocabulary

  • mouse
  • keyboard
  • screen

Knowledge

Students know:
  • input devices are used to manipulate computing devices or enter information.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • use a mouse, keyboard, or other input device to navigate on computing devices and enter information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • they may need to use other pieces of equipment to navigate, select programs, or enter information into a computing device.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): KG

DLCS18.K.12

Use a variety of digital devices, in both independent and collaborative settings.

UP:DLCS18.K.12

Knowledge

Students know:
  • basic features of various digital devices.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • use basic features of handheld/mobile devices collaboratively.
  • use basic features of handheld/mobile devices independently.
  • use basic features of desktops and laptops collaboratively.
  • use basic features of desktops and laptops independently.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • they can interact with apps on handheld devices via touch.
  • they can access programs and software on computing devices.
  • they can enter information in various ways.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): KG

ELA21.K.8

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of printed materials.

UP:ELA21.K.8

Vocabulary

  • Demonstrate
  • Organization
  • Basic features of print
  • Printed materials

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The organization and basic features of printed materials.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Explain the organization and basic features of printed materials.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Printed materials have predictable features that help readers locate information.

Learning Objectives

Students will safely and responsibly use a device to input (take) photographs taken with the camera on the device. 

Students will find and/or create the letters of the alphabet using their bodies.

Students will analyze shapes to find the letters of the alphabet

Activity Details

 Students are grouped in sets of three. Students rotate jobs for each letter:

  1. photographer/director
  2. letter designer 1
  3. letter designer 2

Provide a clear printed representation of the letters students are to find or create.

Students work their way through the alphabet taking pictures of letters using their body. Some letters may be found up close such as the letter U in a fingernail or the letter C in the shape of an ear. Some letters may be created using their entire body or using two people. 

Students will need to analyze each picture for clarity. If it isn't clear, they will delete the picture and try again.

This may take several days or as you introduce the letters over time a photograph is added to the collection.

Once each set of students have completed all the letters. The photographs can be curated or compiled into a slideshow in which the students have to guess the letter in each photograph. Students may see other letters than the one intended. The conversation and debate that takes place is part of the learning. 

Assessment Strategies

Teacher observation of discussions during the creation of letters. 

Teacher observation of discussions during analysis of photographs.

 

Variation Tips

Extension: You can add the photographs to a movie-making software and have students add the sounds of the letters they have created as well.

Variation: If you use a portfolio software such as ClassDojo or SeeSaw students can immediately upload their pictures for others to analyze and guess at. They can also draw and annotate on the picture to show their thinking.

Background / Preparation

Procuring devices

Explicitly teaching students how to take photographs and delete unwanted photographs.

Have letter cards printed so students can see the shape they need to create.

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mbounds
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