Acting it out
Animation allows children to explore characterisation, acting and the consequences of actions in a narrative structure with a beginning, middle and end. Comprehension of animation techniques is grasped simply when posing and moving physical objects.
Translating these thoughts into physical actions taps into a child’s ability to make their storytelling real. Acting out bits of action, and asking - “How would you feel if you were that character in that moment?” is key to creating animated performances that do not just move, but come to life.
In "The Lion at Home” (2009) Anim8ed, Bricknell Primary School & Ferens Art Gallery, Lord and Lady Strickland are surprised that a lion cub has disturbed their wedding day celebrations! His bride jumps into his arms and the Lord leaps onto a log. The child who animated the lion imagined that the lion, who only wanted to play, would feel sad and left out, so he animated it that way.
