Teaching Expertise

Kids are attracted to animation. They love to watch animated movies and TV shows, and animated videos can be a great way for them to learn. It’s natural, then, to introduce them to animation. Even very young kids can learn simple ways to animate objects and drawings; both with and without a camera. Here are 6 awesome activities that can be used with kids of all ages to introduce them to animation and get their imaginations tuned into a higher gear.

1. Storyboarding

Storyboarding is often the very first step in animation; no matter what will be animated- an object, a person, or a drawing. A storyboard is a map showing each step in the animation. Storyboarding can be done with paper and pencil or by using an online tool.

Learn More: Rox Hayward

2. Stop Motion with Playdough

Kids and playdough are a natural combination, and stop-motion animated films have been around for a long time. All you need is some playdough or clay and a lot of patience, and you can make a fun, animated short film.

Learn More: Tate Kids

3. Stop Motion with Objects

Everyday objects can be animated too- and this includes people. With just a camera and some small movements, kids can create an animated image. Make a toy car move down a road or a group of stuffed animals roll a ball. The options are endless.

Learn More: Providence Children’s Museum

4. Animation with Paper Cutouts

Let your kid’s imagination run wild. With just some colored paper and scissors, they can create an unlimited amount of cutout characters and objects to animate either on film or simply by moving jointed parts. Think up a story and put the cutouts through their animated paces. 

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5. Post-It Note Animation

When you were a kid, you may have stapled together paper and drawn on each page to make a flip book. Kids can use a pad of post-it notes. Just draw something with a small change on each page, then flip through the notes for a fun animated drawing. 

Learn More: Mr. Otter Art Studio

6. Bring a Drawing to Life

A kid’s drawing can be animated through any number of apps and programs. Search for the one best suited to your kid’s age and let them draw something to turn into an animated video that they can show off to all their family and friends.

Learn More: Skill Share