Picture Books
Episode # 160. Camera
In a large, cube-shaped box, the children give the Storypeople a camera on a tripod. Grandmamma and Auntie try to figure out how it works. Each time Grandmamma tries to get a good shot of herself, someone gets in the way. They get some very silly pictures. Finally, the children provide each person with a seat and they get the perfect portrait.

Directions
Next time you and your child visit someplace special, take a camera and document the experience. If your child is old enough to use the camera, let her take some of the shots. If not, invite her to tell you what things she would like to have pictures of.

When you get home, print the photos onto 8 1/2 x 11" sheets of paper. Staple them together with the picture side of the paper upside down and the staples along the left side. That way, your photos open up to make a book.

As you and your child look at the photos, have her dictate the text of the "story" to you. Write what she remembers about the day opposite each photo and together choose a title for your "book". If you wish, add a cardboard cover. You can write (or help your child write) the title and your child can decorate. Then you and your child can read about and remember your special day over and over again.

Talk About It
While viewing the Camera episode, you might start a conversation by asking your child: "What do you notice about the seats and how they help the camera see everyone?" or "What would you do to help Grandmamma get a good?"

As you talk about the things on screen, you can help expand your child's vocabulary by alternating the words you use with their synonyms. In the Camera episode you might describe what Grandmamma is doing as taking a picture, photo or photograph.