Friday May 22, 2009 we took a break from our desks to donate our time and energy to Ms. Hollister’s third grade class at the Murphy Elementary School in Boston, MA. Kelly created a thoughtful and fun lesson plan that taught the students about portraiture, using digital photography. Kelly taught the class and I did my best to assist and not embarrass myself too badly.
We scrounged up six digital cameras and cut out “viewfinders” from black paper so the kids could think about how they might want to frame their portraits before using the cameras. The students were excited to have us there, they participated eagerly, and I am not sure if we had more fun or if the students did. Kelly asked each student to describe themselves in three adjectives and then take their portraits in a way that describes who they are. Kelly wrapped up the class with a hysterical slide show of their “silly, cool, pretty, flexible, shy, and funny” portraits.
I was an “assistant” for the morning, not a teacher or a student, but I learned several valuable lessons:
- Know your audience. Third graders might not understand “pixels” or “resolution,” but they do understand creative expression.
- Test your equipment and bring back-up. Phew!
- Don’t take work so seriously. Sometimes the best results happen by accident, and having a good time usually helps making creative work.
- Make true friends throughout your life. I wonder which kids we saw on Friday will stay in touch for over twenty years the way “Ms. Hollister” and I have. And don’t be afraid to befriend your employees either… these friendships ultimately transcend elementary school or work.
- Bring art to school. Many school systems have had to cut art programs. As a kid who loved “art class,” I can’t even imagine not having that opportunity.
After the event we got the most wonderful handmade thank you cards. I scanned a few to share below.
