Supporting primary language learning with Stop Motion
Animation
Everybody loves animated stories, from the
Wombles to Wallace and Gromit. Here, Oscar Stringer outlines a
number of exciting ideas teachers might like to consider…
Model Animation has many names. It can be
known as Stop Motion Animation, 3D Animation (not really correct),
Claymation, Freeze Frame Animation and Stop Frame Animation.
The job of the animator (child or adult) is
very simple - to give life! This can be with drawings, models,
CGI (Computer Generated Images) and even objects and
people.
There is a degree of magic and mystery
surrounding any form of animation and I constantly see the same
amazed reaction when children watch their first 10 seconds of an
animation they have made.
This sense of amazement comes from the
realisation that their models have been brought to life. They are
really alive and have a character quite of their own! This magic
really empowers students of all ages and abilities. It creates
opportunities for them to tell stories and to entertain, and
offers great potential for language use. It really appeals to their
imagination.
A quick idea for getting started using
fuzzy felt:
- Children work together in small groups to
write a short script in French, German or Spanish, based on the
contents of the fuzzy felt box. A common story theme might be 'On
the farm', or maybe a story from the QCDA
Schemes of Work such as Jack and the Beanstalk.
The story only needs to be very short, maybe about 30 seconds or
six slides of a PowerPoint presentation, with short narrative to
accompany it.
- Set up webcams, with laptops and animation
software. For information on software and HD webcams visit the
Animation
for Education website.
- Using this equipment, you can then film the
short animation sequences. The resulting animations can be
imported into Movie Maker (PC) or iMovie (Mac) to add
the narrative in the new language using the voice over
tool available in these programmes.
- Using this very quick technique, teachers and pupils can make a
vast variety of animations. See what you and your class can do with
some fuzzy felt or clay.
For examples of what others have done, visit
http://oscarstringer.blogspot.com/
Oscar Stringer runs animation and digital
video projects with local authorities and is also involved in
production and training for the BBC, Creative Partnerships and the
British Council. For details on INSET days for teachers and
workshop days for students contact oscar@animationforeducation.co.uk