“I found your presentation to be invaluable on many levels – it gave students an idea of the power of photography as a visual language, while teaching them that the skills needed for this demanding job are applicable to many careers. Students gained an insight into the research and preparation needed before a job is even started. They saw that the combination of patience and quick thinking are equally necessary, as is the ability to focus on detail, yet to keep in mind the big picture. Your storytelling talents thoroughly engaged students. The scope of your work gave them an invaluable insight to the world around them. The way your presentation introduced them to various cultures around the world gave them a sense of their connection to the greater world, and this, in my mind was one of the most important aspects to this presentation. Above all, your visit gave them a sense of their own possibilities. How you became so successful and widely published in such a competitive field really brought home the invaluable lesson talent is good, but determination is everything.” Georgette Helbling, Media Specialist “Joan’s extensive experience as a world-traveled photojournalist enables her to present these lectures with a singularly multicultural perspective – while also imparting a uniquely personal view. She openly shares her professional insights in ways that are engaging and informative. …..Joan’s presentation will motivate your students to seek challenging opportunities and life experiences and to explore new artistic possibilities. Her engaging and informative lectures impart knowledge that is invaluable to students of all disciplines.” Caren Friedman, Professor (Art), Bucks County Community College “I am happy to recommend Joan as a speaker to your school district. Joan shared her experience as a photojournalist and spoke about her personal experiences working in the field. The students were very interested in seeing her work, and discussing the technical aspects of taking photographs in different situations and conditions. Through her lecture the students were able to experience the day to day life of a successful photojournalist. Judith Kaufman, Art Coordinator, Pennsbury School District |
What educators
have said about
the assembly program
Many of the following comments answer
the question:
Could (assembly) topics and content be incorporated into writing assignments
and/ or curriculum subjects?
"Absolutely! I know that several teachers did everything from writing tasks to art tasks to Venn diagrams. The assembly was just fantastic! Thank you for a wonderful, mind-opening experience for us all!” - Margaret Granados, Head of Lower School, Shipley School
“The information was phenomenal. So many of the issues and topics discussed are already a part of our curriculum. The children are more likely to attend cognitively if they have prior knowledge. A wonderful show!” — Greg Roberts, Forth grade teacher- Inglewood Elementary School
“ You kept both assemblies (K-3 and 4-6) on task and mesmerized with your wonderful stories and pictures of other children. Thanks so much for your excellent presentation!” — Maureen E. Coffey, Principal- Inglewood elementary School
“ I think assemblies such as this one which expose the children to other places and cultures are the best kinds. Anything related to exposure to new experiences, places etc. are best. Enrich! Enrich!” — Holly Niemeyer, teacher- Titus elementary School
“What a fabulous assembly! Your
presentation was well received by students and teachers alike. One teacher
liked it so much that afterwards she gave me a big hug! The world is such
a big and overwhelming place for children. Your presentation allows them
to see that all people are really the same. We may look different, eat
different foods and play different games but our need to love and to be
loved by family and friends is the same around the world. Thank you so
much for sharing this with our children.”
— Jenny Boccardo, Assembly Coordinator -
Village Park Elementary School
“It was wonderful having you at
our school. Your slides and comments helped to make different cultures
you shared with our K-5 students come alive. Their involvement in the
assembly showed they understood the poignant message of your presentation,
that even though children live in different environments, home is home.
You have a special talent, not only for picture taking, but for meeting
students on their level, and helping them to understand how cultures are
different, yet the same.”
— Mrs. P. Trevi, Language Arts Specialist-
McDonald School
“Thank you for your enlightening program! It taught the children about different cultures, lifestyles and economics. It helped them realize that all people, regardless of where they live, have the same basic needs. We all felt that we had truly been on a trip around the world. — Gai Smith, Second Grade Teacher- Walter Miller Elementary School
“ The children’s rapt attention
proved how good the program was! This morning a mom came in and told me
her son talked about the program at dinner”
— Linda Labowitz, teacher - Oakmont Elementary
School
“ The kids really enjoyed seeing
pictures of other kids around he world, especially their homes and modes
of transportation. We did do a writing assignment right after the assembly
about writing meaningful captions associated with pictures.”
— Tiffany Mannem, sixth grade teacher- Maureen
M. Welch Elementary School
“ The kids all seemed captivated. Great pictures, well-presented. Just enough of everything to round out the experience.” — Michele Sirrott, Music Teacher - Arrowhead Elementary School