Creative Storytelling Magic

Overview of Lesson

This lesson will engage Year 2 students in creating a short stop motion animation movie using modelling clay, fostering creativity, collaboration, and basic digital literacy. The activity aligns with the Australian Curriculum's Digital Technologies standards, specifically ACARA ACTDIK001 (exploring technologies to generate, plan, and execute digital solutions) and ACTDIP003 (creating and organising ideas and information using digital systems). The emphasis will be on teamwork, storytelling, and exploring the process of stop motion animation in an age-appropriate and enjoyable way.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, Year 2 students will be able to:

• Understand the basics of stop motion animation.
• Use storytelling skills to create a short narrative.
• Construct characters using modelling clay.
• Work collaboratively to develop a storyboard for their animation.
• Use an iPad or similar device to capture stop motion sequences.

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Materials Required

• iPads or tablets with a simple stop motion app installed (e.g. Stop Motion Studio or similar).
• Modelling clay in various colours.
• A3 storyboarding templates (one per group).
• Small props (e.g. cardboard for backgrounds, toothpicks, tiny accessories).
• Printed "Animation Basics" visual aids.
• Flat surfaces for filming (e.g. desks or student trays).
• Lamp or small desk light for consistent lighting.
• Whiteboards and markers for brainstorming.

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Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a quick 1-minute stop motion clip featuring clay animals doing silly activities (e.g., a dancing kangaroo or running koalas). Enthusiastically ask the class, “How do you think this was made?”
2. Engagement: Briefly explain how stop motion works (show printed "Animation Basics" visual aids with simple diagrams). Use terms they understand such as "lots of pictures put together."
3. Context: Highlight how storytelling is used in movies and animations. Discuss how today’s activity combines technology, art, and storytelling to create something magical.
4. Goal: Explain the task: "We’re going to make a short animation of our own characters using modelling clay!"

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2. Storyboard Creation (10 minutes)

1. Divide the class into groups of four (5 groups total, with one group of three).
2. Brainstorm Stories (3 minutes): On mini whiteboards, each group spends 3 minutes deciding on a simple story idea. Give examples like:
   • A koala and a platypus going on an adventure.
   • A clay animal band playing music.
   • A day in the life of a farmer’s dog.
3. Create Storyboards (7 minutes): Hand out A3 storyboard templates to each group. Each team draws a simple 4-panel plan outlining:
   • Characters: Who or what will star in their story?
   • Action: What happens in the beginning, middle, and end?
   • Location: Where is the story taking place?

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3. Modelling Clay Characters (10 minutes)

1. Distribute modelling clay and place small props on a table for students to use.
2. Guided by their storyboards, each group spends 8 minutes creating the main characters for their animation.
3. Encourage them to focus on vibrant and simple character designs that are easy to move.
4. Walk around to offer guidance, helping with tricky shapes and encouraging teamwork.

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4. Stop Motion Filming (15 minutes)

1. Assign each group an iPad or tablet that already has a stop motion app installed.
2. Demonstrate briefly (2 minutes) how to use the app:
   • Secure the device so it doesn’t move.
   • Take lots of photos as they move their clay characters slowly.
   • Remind students to “move their characters a little bit at a time!”
3. In their groups, students work together to:
   • Set the scene: Arrange characters and props as shown in their storyboard.
   • Start animating: Begin capturing their sequence frame-by-frame. Each scene only needs about 10 photos.
4. Walk around and assist, checking their progress and providing encouragement.

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5. Sharing and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

1. Once filming is complete, ask students to quickly preview their short stop motion clips within their groups. (No editing required at this stage).
2. Gather everyone at the front and discuss:
   • What do you think worked really well in your group?
   • What was tricky about stop motion?
   • How did you work together?
3. Praise their effort, emphasising how imaginative and tech-savvy they were today.

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Differentiation

• For advanced students: Offer challenges such as adding a second character or creating a simple background out of craft materials.
• For students needing extra support: Pair them with peers offering guidance, or simplify their tasks (e.g., creating one character instead of multiple).

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Assessment

Informal observations:

• Engagement during the discussion and brainstorming.
• Contribution to character creation and storyboards.
• Collaboration within groups.

Ask yourself:

• Did the students engage with the technology appropriately?
• Did they understand the essentials of stop motion?
• Were they able to express creativity and work with their group effectively?

Extension Opportunity: Next class, students could add sound effects or dialogue using audio tools on the iPad or tablet.

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Teacher Reflection

After the lesson, reflect on:

• Did the students demonstrate creativity and collaboration?
• Was the stop motion app age-appropriate and intuitive for the class?
• Were the materials sufficient, or could additional resources enhance the activity?

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Final Notes

This lesson combines hands-on creativity with digital skills and storytelling, making it highly engaging and aligned with the Australian Curriculum. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration in a fun, dynamic way. The highlight is seeing the students’ faces light up as their clay creations come to life!