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P is for photography; students present children’s books at FIWD

By Emily L. Domayer —
Dolie Thompson’s Intermediate Photography class presented children’s books at Friday is Writing Day (FIWD) Nov. 11. Students read their books out loud and talked about what kind of photography techniques they use.

Briana Schaeuble, a junior, titled her book Fancy Nancy. “My cousin is the model in the book.  Fancy Nancy is a short story written for older elementary school students,” She said. The book uses rhyming sentences to describe Nancy’s everyday activities, such as dancing in her favorite boots and going to school.

The photography students enjoyed reading their books to local elementary schools students for the service learning part of the class. Clark Elementary in Sioux City and Jackson Elementary in Jackson, Neb, were among the schools they visited.

Grant Aden, a junior, created an alphabet book for children just learning their ABC’s. “I took pictures of things that kids see every day.” His book included fruits, animals, and musical instruments, among others. “It was fun reading to them. I would ask them what letter came next, or have them guess what I had taken a picture of,” he said.

Misty Johansen, a sophomore, wrote her book about a squirrel named Little Nut Brown. Misty went back to her home country, Norway, to take the pictures. “Squirrels in Norway are not as friendly as they are here in the U.S. It took a long time.”

Thompson described some of the other kinds of books students created. “Some of the books are interactive. Students took pictures of something up close, and the kids tried to guess what it was. Then on the next page, it is revealed,” she said, adding, “We started at the beginning of the semester so it wouldn’t be so overwhelming. Students worked on smaller projects while they were making their books.”

Students discussed their use of camera features, lighting, and creating a “professional” feel. “It was time consuming,” Aden said.

 

November 15, 2011

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