What is wrong with today’s parents? Why are most of their children so horribly rude and arrogant, and just plain disrespectful?
There is nothing wrong with most of the parents, nor their parenting skills and practices, in my opinion. There IS something wrong with at least one thing that most of the parents are doing; sending their children to the state/county schools. I am told by many parents that many of the private schools don’t even seem to be qualified to conduct a respectable baby sitting service now-a-days.
http://www.homeschoolingflorida.com/
My own parents are now retired from their careers as professional educators. My brother, sister, cousins, aunt and most of my family are also all excellent teachers. I finished a B.A. degree in Education at U.S.C. in 1993 and began teaching at Vineyard Montessori School in Massachusetts. From there I went to Hilton Head, S.C. to a public elementary school. Then, to learn the Spanish language, I went to Miami and taught in a private, church school. To learn the Spanish language more fluently, I decided to get a job teaching at an international school in South America through the AASSA. After attending a AASSA job fair in Orlando, and being offered a position in 56 different countries in South America, I went to Ecuador and taught in Guayaquil for 2 years. When the director of the American school in Ecuador asked me to come to Spain and teach at the American School in Las Palmas, I did. I then returned and continued teaching in a public school in Miami.
In my opinion, a “real” teacher, , enjoys, desires and thrives when continually learning new things.
There is nothing wrong, or bad, about a person teaching in the town, or even the school they grew up in, but I am not one of those teachers. I have been a few places and taught in a few different schools. And this is not required to be a “real” teacher. My point is that I am not short sighted or narrow minded about the academic “world” or the teaching profession. I have been a licensed, full time teacher since 1994 until I resigned in 2006 to become a full time partner with the business of domestic engineering and home education, and a part time USCG master & educational evaluator/test administrator. Though I couldn’t stay away from the challenges of the county school classroom for long.
I am filling in for the World Geography teacher for the 7th grade in the junior high school that I taught in full time when I resigned.
Unfinished
Tags: homeschool testing, homeschooling in fl, homeschooling in Florida, public schools Florida
For North Florida residents – Duval, Clay, Nassau, & St Johns Counties
The Amity Turkish Cultural Center in Jacksonville, FL, in conjunction with Global Connections are conducting their 3rd Annual Art & Essay Contest. The deadline for entries has been extended until February 10, 2012.
The contest is open to Middle and High School students, including home school students.
This year’s theme is: One million hungry in the world. What is your role?
Jacksonville awards are:
- 1st place $250 gift card
- 2nd place $150 gift card
- 3rd place $100 gift card
Regional prizes: Trip to Turkey and more …
For more information and to enter your essay or art entry please visit the contest website: http://www.atccenter.org/contest/2011/index.shtml
ESSAY CONTEST RULES:
Grades 6, 7 and 8 will compete in the Middle School Category. Grades 9- 12 will compete in the High School Category.
- Essays must be original, unpublished, and written by one student.
- Each sponsoring teacher may not submit more than fifty (50) essays in total.
- Each essay should be no more than 1000 words. Each essay should be written in Times New Roman font, size 12, and should not have any images in the document.
- Essays may be one of the following four types:
- Persuasive Essay
- Informative Essay
- Narrative Story
- True Story
- Students may only submit one (1) essay (in any category) within the Essay section. Students who submit work in the art section are still allowed (1) submission in the essay section.
- Entries must be received no later than January 27, 2012.
- For the Essay Contest Rubric please see Addendum 2.
- Participants consent to transfer copyrights of their essays to ATCC. Submitted essays become the property of ATCC and as such may be used, copied and displayed by ATCC for promotional/informational purposes.
- To submit your essay online, please go to our website www.atccenter.org/contest and follow the instructions. Please note that,online submission is the only acceptable method of submission and submissions via mail or email will not be accepted.
- DISQUALIFYING FACTORS: Essays may be disqualified automatically or receive lower scores if they lack any aforementioned criteria. Please follow the directions for each submission.
ART CONTEST RULES:
Grades 6, 7 and 8 will compete in the Middle School Category. Grades 9- 12 will compete in the High School Category.
- Artwork can be submitted in virtually any media, including the following subcategories:
o Drawing
o Painting
o Collage
o Photography
o Graphic Design
- Students may only submit one (1) piece of artwork (in any medium) within the art section. Students who submit work in the art section are still allowed 1 submission in the essay section.
- All artwork must be two-dimensional.
- Each submission must include a completed Consent Form (Addendum 9) signed by the student, sponsoring teacher, and at least one (1) parent or legal guardian.
- All artworks must include an “Artist’s Statement” on the back of each work (No longer than 200 words).
- Each submission must include, on the back of the piece:
o Student’s Name
o Student’s E-mail
o Grade
o School
o City
o State
o Sponsoring Teacher’s Name
o Sponsoring Teacher’s E-mail
o District Superintendent’s Name
- Artwork must be original, unpublished, and done by one person.
- Submissions must be received no later than February 10, 2012.
- General guidelines for all art submissions EXCEPT Photography and Graphic Design:
o Traditional media categories include Drawing, Painting, and Collage: Original work must be 15” x 20” which in turn needs to bemounted or executed (not matted) on illustration board of equal size.
o All images must be two-dimensional, original, and not appropriated from any other resource unless dramatically altered.
- General guidelines for Photography submissions:
o Photography work – includes color and black & white: approximately 8.5” by 11” photo paper.
o Please do NOT frame and do NOT mount photography submissions.
- General guidelines for Graphic Design submissions:
o Graphic design work is defined as the use of computer media and innovative computer applications in art.
o Original artwork must be 8.5”x11” only, and must be mounted on illustration board that is also 8.5”x11”.
o Please DO NOT matt graphic-design work. Please only mount the 8.5”x11” piece on illustration board that is the same size as specified above.
- DISQUALIFYING FACTORS: Artwork may be disqualified automatically or receive lower scores if it lacks any of the above criteria. Please follow the directions for each submission.
- For the Art Contest Rubric please see Addendum 1.
- Participants consent to transfer copyrights of their artwork to ATCC. Winning art pieces become the property of ATCC and as such may be used, copied and displayed by ATCC for promotional/informational purposes.
- Artwork from non-winning students will be returned upon request after the Awards Ceremony on April 7th, 2012. (Please provide a detailed address on the back of each submission that you want returned, as well as postage and packaging for the return of each piece). Non-winning students relinquish all claims to submitted pieces on May 7, 2012.
- Please note that in the art section, if any one category does not receive enough submissions, ATCC reserves the right to not recognize any winners whatsoever in said category due to the lack of quality submissions in that category (as deemed by the professional judges).
- Submit the artwork to:
Amity Turkish Cultural Center Annual Art Contest
4540 Southside Blvd STE 202
Jacksonville, FL 32216
I am not a native Floridian, but after living in this state for 12 years, I have developed a strong appreciation for all things Florida. Let’s face it, Florida is a VERY unique state, with 10 different regions, cultures, even accents! It stands to reason then, that the history of Florida is as unique and varied as the cultures and people that have inhabited it over the past five centuries.
Diving into Florida history with your child is a fantastic journey. There are many ways to do this- through field trips to local battle sites, forts and landmarks, videos, visiting local history museums- and thanks to a fifth generation Floridian, Harvey Oyer III, we can discover early pioneer Florida with a new series of children’s books about one of Florida’s first pioneers, Charlie Pierce.
Oyer is descended from one of the earliest pioneer families in South Florida. He is the great-great grandson of Captain Hannibal Dillingham Pierce and his wife Margretta Moore Pierce, who in 1872 became one of the first non-Native American families to settle in Southeast Florida. Oyer is the great-grand nephew of Charlie Pierce, the subject of the book series. Oyer, an avid historian and former chairman of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, learned about his great-uncle Charlie’s adventures from stories passed down from his grandmother.
In 1872 the Atlantic coast of Florida was a wild place, populated by Seminole Indians, alligators, shipwrecks and a few hardy pioneer families. Charlie and his parents moved to Florida, when he was eight years-old, to homestead and settle in what was basically a jungle. Charlie’s adventures began right away. Despite Over 40 years of wars between the Seminole Indians and the white man, Charlie meets and befriends a young Seminole boy named Tiger Bowlegs. Together they explore their surroundings and grow a friendship that helps to end hostilities between their peoples. Along the way, Tiger teaches Charlie the Seminole language, how to hunt and fish, and the ways of the indigenous peoples. Charlie and his family also encounter their first hurricanes, learn to survive in a foreign land, salvage shipwrecks, and discover Spanish treasure.
Our family recently read the first book in the series, The Adventures of Charlie Pierce: The American Jungle together, and all of us were engrossed in the story of Charlie and his family. Compared to other parts of North America, there were very few pioneers in Florida in the 1800′s, therefore Charlie’s story gives us a rare glimpse of that period in history, when Florida was no-man’s land. Thankfully, Charlie kept a lifelong journal which Oyer was able to draw from in writing his books.
The second book in the series, The Last Egret, follows Charlie and his friends as they travel deep into the unexplored Florida Everglades to hunt plume birds for their feathers. During the late 19th Century, the fashion rage throughout America and Europe was colorful bird feathers to adorn people’s hats and clothing. Hunters killed millions of birds in the Florida Everglades to supply the booming trade in feathers. They never imagined the challenges they would encounter, what they would learn about themselves, and how they would contribute to American history.
I highly recommend Oyer’s books as a way to pique your child’s interest in Florida history. In addition to being a great source of historical information, The Last Egret also meets several Florida Sunshine State Standards . The Florida Sunshine State Standards (FSSS) are a set of benchmarks that schools are required to implement in order for students to achieve a well-rounded education. Some of those standards include learning about Florida history, and although homeschool educators are not required to follow them, it’s nice to know that this series of books is written with FSSS compliance in mind. The author’s website has free downloadable teaching tools and information to help integrate the book into your child’s curriculum.
Oyer is well known for his engaging and popular presentations, and he is available to speak to homeschool groups in the state. He can be reached through his website: The Adventures of Charlie Pierce.
Click to hear an interview with Harvey Oyer on Florida Frontiers, a weekly radio show produced by the Florida Historical Society: http://myfloridahistory.org/frontiers/shows/106
Check out the videos below that talk about the books and ways that they are being used throughout the state to teach history & conservation.
The Last Egret documentary:
Charlie Pierce Days coming soon:
Tags: charlie pierce, fl history, fl history for children, fl history for kids, fl history homeschool, florida history, florida sunshine state standards history, harvey oyer, the adventures of charlie pierce, the last egret
Each year the Miami-Dade County Community Image Advisory Board (CIAB) holds a Poster Contest for elementary, middle and high school students (including home school students). The goal behind this contest is to engage students in taking pride in their community and have a chance to win a great prize. Entries are submitted in February and judged in the month of March and displayed at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition.
The Community Image Advisory Board (CIAB) invites you to design a poster to “Clean Up and Green Up” our community. Be creative and use the slogan as part of a poster design. Entries will be accepted beginning January 27, 2012 and must be submitted by Friday, February 24, 2012. Submit entries to:
Clean Up and Green Up Poster Contest
c/o The Miami Herald, NIE
Attn: Karen A. Tynes
One Herald Plaza
Miami, Fl 3313
1st Place winners receive a Best Buy Gift Card; 2nd Place winners receive a Dave & Buster’s Gift Card; 3rd Place winners receive AMC Movies Gift Card.
Click here for a copy of the entry form: http://www.miamidade.gov/image/library/2012-entry-form.pdf
Click here to see a gallery of last year’s winners: http://www.miamidade.gov/image/poster_winners.asp
FREE Hands-on sailing skills workshops at the Discover Boating Learning Center at Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami
Sharpen your existing skills and learn new ones by participating in hands-on sailing clinics presented by the American Sailing Association (ASA). There’s something for everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned skippers! All workshops taught by ASA certified instructors aboard 30′ to 40′ sailboats. Choose from 3 skills-building sessions:
*Introduction to Sailing — For new/novice sailors*
Learn how to raise and lower the sails, trim the sails correctly, tack and jibe, helmsmanship fundamentals, points of sail and more. Participants will get a chance to put their newfound skills to work at the end of each session by competing in a friendly “regatta’ to win bragging rights for the day. 90-minute session.
*Coastal Cruising — For more experienced sailors*
Learn essential skills including how to heave to, reef the sails, steer with the sails and crew overboard recovery methods. 90-minute intermediate skills building clinic is based on ASA curriculum for Coastal Cruising (ASA 103) and Bareboat Charter (ASA 104).
*Docking Under Power & Close Quarters Boat Control *
Participants will learn close quarters maneuvering skills taught as part of the ASA Docking “Endorsement” program including: 360 degree turns in tight spaces (back and fill), backing down a narrow channel in a straight line, weather vane turns in windy conditions, coming alongside a pier (fuel dock) and using spring lines in docking maneuvers.
Space is very limited; Advance registration is highly recommended
(Nominal $4 registration fee applies). Visit *http://hd.nmma.org/t/62771/818863/10326/14/ for more details, event schedules and to buy your boat show admission ticket and reserve your space.
Tags: free sailing classes
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The roar of cannon fire and the sight of soldiers in Civil War uniforms are to greet visitors at oceanfront Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Friday though Sunday, Feb. 10-12, during the annual Civil War Heritage Days festival.
Key West was the only Deep South port that remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War, and Fort Taylor was a vital base for the Union blockade of Confederate ships. Captured blockade runners were forced to anchor in the waters just offshore.
Fort Zachary Taylor
Highlights of the family-friendly festival are to include a Friday afternoon parade down Key West’s Duval Street to the historic fort, Saturday’s battle between land forces and ships portraying blockade runners at sea, Sunday’s staged trial of a blockade runner based on an 1862 court case and ongoing living history encampments of Union and Confederate Civil War re-enactors.
Events are set for 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the fort and surrounding 56-acre state park.
Re-enactors in period costume are to depict military personnel, craftsmen, musicians and civilians of the era. Festival visitors can watch a patrol skirmish and staged military maneuvers, view period crafts demonstrations and learn what soldiers’ lives were like in the 1860s.
The fort and park can be accessed from an entrance on Southard Street past Thomas Street. Daily entrance fees are $2.50 per person on foot or bicycle, $4.50 for a single-occupant motorized vehicle and $7 for a vehicle carrying two people and 50 cents for each additional passenger. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.
Event information: www.floridastateparks.org/forttaylor/, 305-292-6713 or 305-292-6850
Tags: fl civil war history, florida forts, fort zachary taylor, homeschool field trip, homeschool history
WASHINGTON: Start your new year with a free visit to a national park! All 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission from January 14 through 16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The National Park Service operates 11 National Park sites in Florida, and this is a great way to plan a field trip on the cheap. Many of Florida’s National Parks focus on the early history of our country and the military presence of Spain in Florida in the 1500 & 1600′s. Other Florida National Parks focus on preserving our the ecological heritage of key natural wonders such as the Everglades National Park, and Biscayne National Park. There are many ways to incorporate this into a science or history lesson that is also uniquely Florida. Here’s a list of National Parks in Florida, with links to their web pages on the National Park Service website:
Big Cypress National Preserve
Biscayne
Miami, Key Biscayne & Homestead, FL
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife… or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.
Canaveral
Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL
Situated on a barrier island along Florida’s east coast, inviting park highlights include pristine, undeveloped beach, dunes and lagoon offering sanctuary to an abundant blend of plants and animals. Year-round recreation includes fishing, boating, canoeing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, hiking, camping, nature and historical trails.
Castillo De San Marcos
St. Augustine, FL
A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America’s grim but remarkable history.
De Soto
Bradenton, FL
On a swelteringly hot day in May 1539, Spaniard Hernando de Soto splashed ashore at Tampa Bay intent on capturing the riches of La Florida by any means necessary. His army was alternately welcomed and opposed by Native American tribes throughout what is now the Southeastern United States in a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery.
Dry Tortugas
Key West, FL
Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past. Watch the new ‘Plan Your Visit’ video here or on YouTube!
Everglades
Miami, Naples, and Homestead, FL
Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.
Fort Caroline
the Timucuan Preserve; Jacksonville, FL
At the settlement of la Caroline, French settlers struggled for survival in a new world. Many sought religious freedom in a new land, while others were soldiers or tradesmen starting a new life. The climactic battles fought here between the French and Spanish marked the first time that European nations fought for control of lands in what is now the United States. It would not be the last time.
Fort Matanzas
St. Augustine, FL
Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development.
Gulf Islands
Gulf Breeze, Florida and Ocean Springs, Mississippi , FL,MS
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in Mississippi and Florida, and offers visitors a variety of cultural and natural resource opportunities.
Timucuan
Jacksonville, FL
Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks. The Timucuan Preserve includes Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation. Learn about other activities in the park in the Plan Your Visit section.
Here’s a video of our visit to the Castillo de San Marcos:
If you have the time and budget, this weekend may be the perfect time to plan a trip to that special National Park that you have always wanted to take your children to.
For example, you can literally walk in Dr. King’s footsteps at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Georgia, the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, or the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC – just a few of the many national parks that have direct ties to Dr. King or the Civil Rights movement.
Other parks that will hold special events honoring Dr. King that weekend include the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC, Morristown National Historical Park in New Jersey, Fort Donelson National Battlefield in Tennessee, and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, DC.
“Dr. King led the fight to realize his dream of a nation free of discrimination, where every citizen was able to enjoy the inalienable rights promised to all Americans,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Dr. King’s story and those of so many others whose efforts changed our country are preserved in the national parks, places where history happened. I hope every American can take advantage of the upcoming fee free weekend and visit their parks to experience their history firsthand.”
Your nearest national park can also help you keep that New Year’s resolution, whether it is to get more exercise, spend quality time with family and friends, try a new sport, learn some history, expand your horizons, or enjoy the natural world. There’s something for everyone at a national park, even in the middle of winter. Choices include snow shoe hikes, canoe trips, campfire programs, film festivals, battle reenactments, and music jams. It is also a great time of year to view wildlife such as bison in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming or grey whales at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. A list of activities can be found at www.nps.gov.
The National Park Service will also waive admission fees on 14 other days in 2012 – National Park Week (April 21 to 29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (September 29), and the weekend of Veterans Day (November 10 to 12).
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 397 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Tags: biscayne national park, castillo de san marcos, desoto park, dry tortugas, everglades national park, fort caroline, fort matanzas, homeschool field trip, national parks fl, national parks florida, timicuan nature preserve
Tallahassee, FL – The 2012 Florida legislative session begins today, Tuesday, January 10, 2012. As busy homeschool parents most of us don’t have the time or resources to stay on top of all of the action in Tallahassee, but don’t worry, FPEA’s Legislative Committee is prepared to keep you informed of any and all issues that could potentially impact homeschooling in Florida.
Our Committee members will be monitoring and reporting on activity within the Florida legislative session that pertains to homeschool families across the state. We will use theFPEA Blog, Facebook page and Twitter to make announcements, publish updates and, if necessary, alert you to any time sensitive actions that might be needed to help share our opinions with state representatives.
To help kick-off the legislative session the FPEA Board of Directors will be meeting with homeschool families this Thursday for FPEA Day at the Capitol. This annual event helps to demonstrate our homeschool community’s interest and involvement in the issues effecting Florida families. If your family would like to join the activities there is still time to RSVP (Call 1-877-ASK-FPEA or Email office@fpea.com). If you can’t make it to Tallahassee you can still feel like you are participating in this important day by following as we provide real-time updates via Facebook and Twitter.
If your family would like to learn more about Florida’s state legislature, visit The Official website of the Florida Legislature. Children will also enjoy the websites for Florida Senate Kids and My Florida House Fun Facts.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.” Samuel Adams
Are you part of that minority? Are you ready to ensure your homeschooling rights are protected? Are you brave enough to set the brush fires in your legislator’s minds?
Join the Florida Parent-Educators Association and Home Education Foundation on the 22nd floor of YOUR Capitol Building on Thursday, January 12, at 10 a.m. and let your voice be heard.
The day’s highlights include:
- An update by Jeff Hall, FPEA Chairman
- A Legislative Update from Brenda Dickinson, Home Education Foundation
- Time to meet the FPEA Legislative Committee
- Bill Mattox of the James Madison Institute on how to interact with your legislators and how to host your own Town Hall Meeting.
- Lunch by Chick-Fil-A
- Sacred Heart Homeschool Group Re-enactors performing the Lincoln-Douglas debate that won the Florida History Fair.
- Drawings for lots of door prizes, including computers, convention passes, mileage reimbursement, just to name a few
- Visit with your State Legislative Representatives
- Address by Governor Rick Scott
For parking instructions, visit: http://www.
Receive Special FPEA rates at the following hotels:
- Holiday Inn and Suites ($149/night, full restaurant on site) 2725 Graves Rd, Tallahassee 32303
- Comfort Inn and Suites ($89/night, complimentary breakfast) 2727 Graves Rd, Tallahassee 32303
Event Fee- $5/person for 10 and older
Lunch Fee- $5/person if pre-ordered; $7.50 on site
To make reservations:
Call 1-877-ASK-FPEA or Email office@fpea.com
For Evaluations done easily, quickly and very economically ($25) by a FL Dept. of Education certified teacher feel free to call me anytime: 904-272-7245 / 786-525-3545 C.C. Tucker
http://www.homeschool-evaluations.com/
Standardized Testing is very economical also: 786-525-3545 C.C. Tucker
Tags: Homeschool evaluations, homeschool evaluator, homeschool testing
When I was 13 years old I begged my parents to buy me a 35 mm SLR camera. Back then, the desire to take photographs was as intense, maybe even more intense, than my desire to become a writer. I remember how excited I was when, at the end of seventh grade, I signed up for Photography as an eighth grade elective, only to find out later that I was not only switching schools, but that summer my family was moving to a different country. Needless to say, I was bummed out.
After a year overseas, and a lot of consistent begging on my part, I got my wish. Dad gave me my first 35 mm SLR for my birthday in 1985. I was beyond elated! It was a Pentax P3 with a 50mm lens, and I dove right in to the manual and started shooting away.
The very first roll of film I shot was an intense 36-frame study of ants on a potted plant outside my front door. I, being an avid reader of National Geographic, felt compelled to visually document those ants and their industrious behavior. They were pretty big ants, and they were a deep, orangey red, which I noticed really stood out against the background of the green stems and leaves of that plant. At the ripe old age of 14, I just knew that this was the beginning of an amazing journey in uncharted photographic, and perhaps even scientific, territory.
My first lesson in photography was patience. It takes a lot of time to develop a full roll of 36 color prints, especially in a 3rd world country! My second lesson was financial: shooting rolls of 36 color photos of ants was pretty expensive, especially when most of the shots were out of focus and ill composed. My mother was NOT pleased about that. I learned a lot from that first roll of film. Undeterred, I read up on depth of field, refocused my efforts, and continued on- a little more selective in my choice of subjects perhaps, but the fire was still there.
I loved taking photos. I loved the smell of a freshly opened canister of film. I loved the heft of the camera in my hand, and the sound of the shutter opening and closing. I felt as if the only way my young teenage mind could even attempt to capture the beauty of what I saw around me, and how that beauty made me feel, was with a photograph.
The hardest part for me was hoping I got a good shot, and waiting, until finally my parents got around to getting my film developed. Although I rarely achieved a shot that evoked what I was trying to capture, especially when I took photos of the Ecuadorian countryside, I still yearned for more.
Taking photographs has been a major part of my life, so I wanted to pass that on to our children. My eldest daughter started asking for a camera when she was 8, and with digital photography making it so affordable to take photographs it seemed like a no brainer to me. It took a couple of throw away digital cameras for her to learn to take care of the real camera she has now. I’ve been happy to know that she has slowly gotten the idea of composition, and I can see sometimes when she is looking at things, that she’s looking for what’s beautiful to her, what’s beautiful enough to capture in a photo.
A while after she got her camera, with its built in digital video feature, my daughter came to me and asked me to clear off her memory card because it had gotten full. I set up a special folder for her on our hard drive and transferred everything over, clearing the card. Then, curious, I started looking through her photos and videos.
Just like I had done years before, there were all her experimental shots, the wanna-be nature photographer shots, the umpteen self portraits. There was however, something else. I got a glimpse at life from the persepctive of my daughter. I saw photos she had taken with her sisters when they were playing with each other. Silly, goofy photos, and serious portraits of her sisters in their fancy dresses (obviously taken when I was at work in my office). Videos of them singing together, candid and uninhibited. Many of her photos are amongst my very favorite pictures of my children.
I also found a couple of videos that my daughter had taken when we drove to Miami to meet my Dad when he went to the hospital a few weeks before he passed away. We had no idea that we were near the end, neither did he at that time, and we were all hanging out in his hospital room, laughing and catching him up on the adventures from our recent trip to Puerto Rico. It never occured to me at the time to get a video of my Dad, but Sunny did, and there they were on her camera, just waiting to be found.
Seeing what Sunny came up with got me to realize that our children are not just extras in this movie. They are actors, even though they may be passive a lot of the times, but even more importantly, they are co-witnesses to this life that we are leading together. Each one has a perspective and a voice that, although it may be undeveloped, has really interesting things to say. Photography for a child can be both a visual journal and a creative outlet. It is the one electronic gadget that, instead of immersing them in a world of their own like a video game, e-reader, or MP3 player, actually causes them to interact with the world around them.
My mother gave our other three daughters cameras this past week. Our 8 year-old, Faith, had been begging for a real camera for several months. It has been very interesting to see what has already come out of their initial picture taking sessions, and I am so excited to share this lifelong passion of mine, with them.
This article first appeared on The New Jersey Girl. Reposted with permission by the author.
Tags: children's photography, digital photography for kids, homeschool photography, photography for kids