Literacy and Justice Through Photography

Book excerpt: This practical guide will help teachers to use the acclaimed "Literacy Through Photography" method developed by Wendy Ewald to promote critical thinking, self-expression, and respect in the classroom. The authors share their perspectives as an artist, a sociologist, and a teacher to show educators how to integrate four new “Literacy Through Photography” projects into the curriculum—The Best Part of Me, Black Self/White Self, American Alphabets, and Memories from Past Centuries. These field-tested projects invite students to create images representing their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The text includes classroom vignettes, project descriptions and lesson plans, and reflections and resources to help teachers explore important social and political topics with their students while also addressing standards across various disciplines and grade levels. Book features: Photography projects related to race, language, history, and body image. A framework for engaging students in essential social justice issues. A versatile model of arts integration in the social studies and literacy curriculum. Many examples of students’ writings, photographs, and drawings. Step-by-step instructions to help teachers implement the projects.