Friday, October 21, 2011

The World of Stop Motion Animation



This fall, I have been giving the opportunity to teach a hobby and passion of mine, Film. For 10 weeks, I get an opportunity to work with students at Lowe's Grove Middle School, and Neal Middle School. I teach a Stop Motion Animation Apprenticeship twice a week.  It's been almost 5 years since I've been in the classroom and doing direct instruction. This give me an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs and practice the instructional tools and tips I've been giving out to staff members as an administrator and instructional leader. In this 10 week  crash course into Stop Motion Animation students are learning: 

  • Stop Motion Techniques 
  • How to use a Story Board 
  •  How to build a set
  •  How to operate a Digital Camera
  •  How to use Film editing Software
  • How to build consensus in Teams
  • How to articulate a Vision and bring it to Life 
At the end of the 10 weeks students will have procedure several Stop Motion Animation Shorts. I really enjoy this opportunity to work with students in this capacity. The students in this apprenticeship are really in engaged in the lessons and the activities we do. I think many of them are aspiring film makers (just like me)  and this gives them a way to use their creativity and bring many of their ideas to life. I cannot wait for their finished product at the end of the apprenticeship, I think they are going to exceed my expectations in-terms of what I thought they could do, which is always good for a teacher.  Below is a short compilation of clips from my apprenticeships.  Enjoy!