By observing the picture I’ve come to reflect how different children seemed to appear and behave at the time. They seem still and thought provoked by what they’re mind is indulging at that moment. It’s something very distinct to find a classroom nowadays where children are not losing attention because of something else; even though the children in the photo know there was a cameraman in the room.
It’s interesting to see the technological advancement we have achieved in a year yet; our method of teaching almost remained the same. However, the appreciation that these children demonstrate while reading is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted since kids find reading boring nowadays compared to their other entertainment components now offered.
Now a major thing that must be acknowledged is the steps forward that society has made bringing unison upon students; whether rich or poor, whether male or female and a larger scale of variety upon student ethnicities.
Also knowing that this picture comes in the midst of the Settlement House Movement makes me think how this could be a photo showcasing how privileged children were the only ones able to afford an education or a photo of the actual movement where leaders in society at the time came to unify a branch of the education system to make the gap between the rich and poor smaller.
Mike, very nice post. Indeed the students were quite aware that they were being photographed. That said, they seem intent on their studies and appear quite studious and well-behaved as part of their natural behavior.
PS-Please respond on the discussion thread as a comment in future posts.