Objective

By the end of this lesson, Tanner will have a basic understanding of animation principles and will create a simple animated character using basic techniques. This will help him develop skills in storytelling through animation and understand the creative process involved in bringing characters to life.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencils for sketching
• A smartphone or tablet with a simple animation app (like Flipaclip or Stop Motion Studio)
• A computer with internet access for research
• Optional: A lightbox or window for tracing

Before the lesson, Tanner should familiarize himself with basic animation concepts by watching a few short animated videos. This will spark his creativity and give him ideas for his own animation project.

Activities

• Character Design:

  Tanner will start by sketching his own character. He can think about what kind of personality his character will have and what makes it unique. This is a great opportunity for him to express his creativity!

• Storyboarding:

  Next, Tanner will create a simple storyboard for his animation. This will outline the key scenes and actions that his character will take. Storyboarding helps in planning the animation and ensures a smooth flow of the story.

• Animating:

  Using the animation app, Tanner will bring his character to life by creating a short animation. He can experiment with different movements and expressions, learning how to use timing and pacing to enhance his animation.

• Show and Tell:

  Finally, Tanner will present his animation to family members or friends. This will give him a chance to explain his creative process and receive feedback, which is important for growth as an animator!

Talking Points

• "Animation is all about bringing still images to life! Think of it like telling a story through pictures."
• "Every great animation starts with a character. What makes your character special? What are its quirks?"
• "A storyboard is like a comic strip for your animation. It helps you plan out what happens next!"
• "Timing is key in animation. Just like in a movie, the right timing can make a scene funny or dramatic!"
• "Don't be afraid to experiment! Some of the best animations come from trying new things and making mistakes."
• "Feedback is super important! When you share your work, you can learn from others and improve your skills."
• "Remember, every animator started somewhere. Keep practicing, and you’ll get better!"