Many of my friends have gotten into a 365 Project or two, and while I've admired their work, I never considered doing one myself until today. First of all, what is a 365 Project? Usually, it is a "photo a day" project...an individual's documentation of daily events and memories, or a photographer's portfolio of great photos, day by day. This idea has been expanded to include portfolios of different sounds, quotes and videos. I've even seen a "Quilt a Day" project!
So, how could ESOL teachers use 365 Projects to facilitate language instruction?
- Teachers can use the "Photo a Day" idea to begin a collection of photos for vocabulary instruction. How often do we look online for an existing photograph to use, only to settle (often hours later) for a photo that doesn't quite capture what we want to teach?
- Create a teaching portfolio, using a photo or video clip of a great lesson you teach each day. This is a great way to share teaching ideas with colleagues.
- "A Piece of Realia a Day"--Make a list of items you wish you had to teach core content concepts and vocabulary. This list would, of course, be ongoing! Every day, collect one item on the list to build up your collection. As you find the items, you might also want to photograph them so you have a catalog of your items that is easy to access while you plan lessons.
- "A Word a Day" lessons are nothing new, but they can be updated for the 21st century! Have students create an e-dictionary of social or academic vocabulary that they encounter daily. They can use your 365 photo collection to illustrate their dictionaries!
- If your students have access to a digital camera, they can start their own "Photo a Day" projects. This could be done individually, in a small group, or as a class. Students can use their photos to inspire writing ideas. Emergent level students could use their photos to participate in Shared Writing activities.
I'm starting my Vocabulary Photo a Day project tomorrow!
