AnimationAnimation can create a stimulus for a range of curriculum areas: Literacy, Art and Design, History and of course ICT.
Animation is a "performing art rather than a graphic art" and so it is important to approach it with the view of drama. (http://www.filmeducation.org/staffroom/film_in_the_classroom/animation/) Animation is a co-operative exercise and gets groups of children working together. Giving roles to people elevates tension and gives all children a purpose and responsibility. As a teacher I would have mixed ability groups, this is an area where LA children may excel as may some HA children struggle and the collaborative atmosphere created with the task will eliminate any previous hierarchy. Music and sound effects can be added to the animation adding an extra dimension. This could be linked into their music lessons and exploring how sounds can be made through our bodies and the objects around us. |
Review of Barbara Ainscough Animation: http://web.mac.com/barbaraainscough/Barbara_Ainscough/Animation.html
This website shows the reality of creating a stop motion animation sequence. At first thought animation seems daunting but after viewing this website it shows that it is a fun and accessible activity for all the children. It is a leveller of academic abilities as it calls of different skills from mathematics, for example. The outlined timetable shows how it can be implemented into a weeks afternoon sessions:
- 30 minutes to create a storyboard
- ✓ 1 hour to design and create the scenery
- ✓ 1 hour to design and make the models
- ✓ 2 hours to film the animation
- ✓ 1 hour to add titles, credits, music, special-FX and sound-FX
Story boarding is a crucial element of animation and reminds the children of the techniques of telling a story- scene setting, development of plot and character introduction and description.
Monkey JamI have had an experiment on Monkey Jam which is a stop motion animation programme. Sadly I have had trouble uploading my creation to Youtube so here is a screen shot of my attempts. It tells of a cat and a Dog who find love on a park bench. They are sat next to one another but keep missing when the other looks fondly towards them. Eventually their eyes meet and a love heart appears above their heads.
This programme was easy to use with taking stop motion photographs however I have not been able to add an audio track over it. Children would be able to do the photos but I think beyond that the programme is fiddly and difficult to use. With child friendly technology and cameras that are easy to use children would revel in this activity and showcase their creativity. |
Would I use this in the classroom?
I find the idea of animation really interesting especially with a cross-curricular approach and the children can draw on all the skills they have acquired in other subjects and implement them here. If I was to teach a series of lesson on animation I would have to refine my skills in this area and ensure they I know how to use the equipment including the misconceptions that may occur with the equipment. The following guides would help refine my skills (I have read these guides and feel happier to teach it):