Students will collaboratively create an animation that explores themes of belonging and inclusion, using their personal experiences to foster empathy and understanding. By applying the 12 principles of animation, students will develop technical skills while reflecting on moments of feeling excluded and how these experiences shape their perspectives. This project encourages students to connect their stories with broader societal issues, aiming to create an impactful narrative that resonates with audiences and promotes inclusivity. Through this process, students will continuously assess their understanding and application of animation principles, ensuring their work is both meaningful and technically proficient.
Learning goals
Students will explore and apply the 12 principles of animation to create a collaborative animated story that reflects personal and collective experiences of belonging and inclusion. They will engage in empathetic storytelling, drawing connections between their own experiences and those of others who may feel excluded. Throughout the project, students will regularly assess their understanding and application of animation principles, ensuring their work effectively communicates the intended message. This project aims to deepen students' awareness of belonging and foster a sense of community through creative expression.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
Products
Students will collaboratively create an animated short film that explores themes of belonging and inclusion, using the 12 principles of animation. Each student will contribute a segment that reflects personal experiences of belonging or exclusion, fostering empathy and connection. The final product will be showcased in a community screening event, where students will present their work and discuss its potential impact on fostering understanding and inclusivity. Throughout the project, students will maintain a reflective journal documenting their learning process and insights gained.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive workshop where students explore the 12 principles of animation through interactive stations. Each station should feature a different principle, allowing students to experiment with hands-on activities such as flipbooks, stop-motion, and digital animation tools. Invite a guest speaker from the animation industry to share insights on storytelling and the power of animation in conveying themes of belonging and inclusion. Conclude the launch by having students brainstorm personal stories of belonging and exclusion, which will serve as the foundation for their collaborative animation project.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their collaborative animations in a school-wide film festival, inviting peers, teachers, and community members to view and discuss the themes of belonging and inclusion. Each group will present their animation, explaining the creative process and the personal experiences that informed their work. The exhibition will include a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with the creators and explore the impact of the animations on their perspectives. This event will serve as a platform for students to connect with others and reflect on the broader implications of their projects.
