Everyone is taking photos nowadays. It is so easy and it is a great way to build your child’s skills. Families and schools can now use their mobile phones to take excellent photographs. No need to grab a camera anymore, just click the precious moments and memories you want to share with your child.
Your child is growing up quickly, so it’s important to take and share photos that capture the memories of your family and friends. Photography activities that you share with your young child help build self-awareness and confidence.
They also help your child define himself in his relationships to family and friends. These social and emotional skills are essential to his success at school because a secure and confident child is ready to deal with the challenges of school and life.
What happens when you involve your child in recording life with photography? Lots!For example, when your child sees himself in a photo he is building self-esteem and confidence skills. Studies show that children who have a good sense of self and are confident in their abilities are more likely to succeed.
When your child works with you to create a photo album or photo book he is using the essential the sequencing, storytelling and spatial skills that key to reading and writing.|
Children love to sit on your lap and look at family photos. As you talk with your child you are building prime vocabulary and language skills that are core to reading and writing. Of course, children love to give photos as gifts. This is a great way for your child to learn how it feels to share and give. Your child might like to send a note or card with the gift. This builds communication and literacy skills.

 Here are a few fun things to try at home. Of course, as a grandparent I had to start with a Grandparent activity!

Grandparent Connections:Your child can keep in touch with his grandparents by “writing” photo letters to them. Invite your child to choose a few recent photos and paste them on colorful paper. Then ask him to dictate whatever he wants to tell them about. With your help, your child can also send texts or email. Be sure take his “dictation” literally. Write down exactly what he says! This will tell your child that you are listening and value what he has to say.

Photograph an Alphabet Book:One of the best ways for your child to learn the alphabet is to make a photographic alphabet book. Beginning with the letter “A” ask your child to find something that starts with “A” around the house or neighborhood to photograph. Collect the photos from A to Z and ask your child to help you organize them in alphabetical order. Alphabet cards will help your child remember the order of the letters. Then place them in an album or paste in a scrapbook. Be sure to write the letters too!

Photographic Observation of Growth:You can teach your child about the science of growth and change by documenting the growth of a flower bulb, a seedling. Take a picture of your child planting the bulb or seed. Then, take a picture once a week with your child standing with a ruler next to the plant to show growth. Display the photos in a series from left to right at your child’s eye level. How long did it take for the bulb to grow into a flower?

Create a Photographic Cookbook:Do you have some family recipes you like to prepare with your child? Take pictures of the family cooking together and use them to illustrate a cookbook. Y0u can use sheet protectors or a pocket or magnetic-style photo album and create the book by putting the recipe on the right hand page and the photo(s) on the left. You might also want to include family comments about the recipe too. The plastic coating on the recipe and photos makes it safe for use in the kitchen. This makes a great family gift.