Integrating Classroom‐Based Conservation Photography to Enhance Early Literacy and Ecological Understanding

ABSTRACT This manuscript shares the story of the researcher bringing photography, nature journaling, and various related experiences into a first‐grade classroom. The researcher worked with the teacher to implement these practices along with project‐based learning in order to increase literacy skills and ecological awareness. Together, they worked with children throughout the year to build these skills. Each time the researcher returned to the classroom, they noticed an increase in inferential writing and connections to lived experiences. On the last visit, the researcher brought her “real” camera and a 360 camera. The teachers led the first graders on a photo walk and allowed them to use the cameras to each take several photos. The students used those photos to create a class photo journal in which each child titled their own photo and added a short caption. The manuscript includes a “lessons learned” section and practical steps that teachers can take in order to implement the practice with their students.