Stop, Collaborate and Animate

Third grade is having the best time with our Crayola grant this year.


The librarian and I teamed up to offer them a stop motion animation lesson. In library they are looking at simple machines and doing a storyboard. In art they learned about the history of animation by making thaumatropes and roll ups in centers. We honestly could have stopped there*. They were so engaged and delighted to make something that worked.

Last week they worked on a title sequence using dry erase boards to animate their video title.



One student discovered that by placing two ipads on the table, they had a perfect parallel to film the dry erase board. So clever!

This week we started bringing the storyboard to life with claymation. They are working within the confines of a shoebox to keep it simple. At the end of each class they can put all their items inside and I stack the boxes out of the way.

I have to admit it's been especially fun for me. We started spring break today and I came home and kept working on some ideas that I want to share with them next class based on some of our conversations today. 

My lesson plan and all the supporting details are being offered on Teachers Pay Teachers. Did you know that TpT now has a "school" option? Let your district pay for the art resources you want and need for your classroom. I know paying for lessons isn't an option for some of my readers, but this little side hustle gives me the extra inspiration to keep posting and sharing. So if you're just here for the pictures and ideas, no worries :)

What's your favorite animation to do with elementary?

*If you don't have technology, my historical animation lesson is available here. It's a no-prep, no-tech alternative if that's your speed.