How to Teach Photography to Homeschool Kids

A Guide to Teaching Photography to Homeschoolers

Hosting a homeschool photography class for kids is a great way to share your love of photography with future generations.  Whether you're a professional photographer, a hobbyist,  a homeschooling mom or dad, or a teacher, this step-by-step guide will help you plan a successful photography class for homeschool kids.

Step 1: Define the Class Objectives and Goals: Before you start planning, outline the objectives and goals of the class. Do you want to introduce basic photography concepts, teach them about different photography styles, or focus on a specific project? Once you define your goals, this will help guide you through the rest of the planning process.

Step 2: Choose the Age Group and Class Size: Determine the age group you'll be teaching and set your class size.  If it's your first time teaching photography to kids, I recommend to keep the class size small with about 10-12 students. Or if it helps you feel more comfortable you can start even smaller with a group of 5-6 children.

Step 3: Gather Necessary Materials: Put together a list of items you'll need for the class, including cameras (smartphones, digital cameras, or disposable cameras), memory cards, tripods (optional), notebooks, and writing utensils.

Step 4: Get Your Photography Lesson Plans Together: You can save a lot of time by choosing a photography curriculum that is done for you. Divide the lessons into manageable sections, such as camera basics, composition, lighting, and editing. Make the lessons interactive and engaging, by including games, worksheets, and fun activities.

Step 5: Set a Schedule: Decide on how long and how often you will host the class. My recommendation is to keep the class short for kids because their attention span will be short. Make it no more than 45 minutes per class (unless you are hosting a kids photography camp).  If you're hosting a camp you can make the sessions longer, but be sure to have breaks in between.

Step 6: Decide If You Will Teach Photography Online or Teach In-Person Classes: Do you want to host the class online or in-person? If you decide to go the online route, check out platforms like Zoom.  One of my favorite's is Podia.  If you're teaching the class in person you will want to check out local parks, gardens, or even your own home, backyard or renovated garage may be a good fit.

Step 7: Promote the Class:  You can spread the word about your homeschool photography class for kids via social media, local homeschooling groups, facebook groups for moms or local homeschool facebook groups.  You could also check with local churches that have homeschool co-op classes for kids. They may be looking for teachers. Make sure you provide a clear description of the class, the objectives, and the benefits for the students. 

Step 8: Prepare Teaching Materials:  You'll want to have handouts, activity sheets, games and visual aids to keep the kids attention. This kids photography curriculum bundle includes 

Step 9: Engage and Inspire: During the class, foster a supportive and interactive learning environment. Encourage students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and show their work. Incorporate inspiring examples of well-known photographers and their work to ignite their creative spark.

Step 10: Hands-On Activities: Integrate practical activities that allow kids to apply what they've learned. Arrange photo walks, scavenger hunts, or photography challenges that encourage them to experiment with composition, lighting, and perspective.

Step 11: Feedback and Reflection: Allocate time for feedback sessions where students can share their photos and receive constructive critiques. This helps them learn from each other and grow as photographers. Encourage them to reflect on their progress throughout the course.

Step 12: Showcase Their Work: Organize an end-of-class showcase where students can display their best work. This can be done through a virtual gallery or a physical exhibition, allowing them to celebrate their achievements and share their newfound skills with friends and family.

Hosting a homeschool photography class for kids is a way to share your love of photography with children and help nurture their artistic abilities and foster  creativity. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a structured and engaging learning experience that empowers young photographers to explore the world through their own unique lens.