Windows Movie Maker is a free program packaged on the Windows operating system. Normally, it is found by clicking Start, Programs, Accessories, and Entertainment. This is a simple and under-utilized program that creates reasonably high quality movies using any digital photos or videos. There are better programs, but for classroom use, Movie Maker is more than adequate.

Movie Maker is easy enough for use with all ages. When you open Windows Movie Maker, the default screen features a task pane that displays all of your basic functions. They are organized in the perfect sequence to help you create your movie.

It allows you to assemble photos and videos into a storyboard for a compiled video, but also to narrate it and add text and visual effects.

Movie Maker 2.0 Tutorial (screen shots are from Window XP and the Vista version is slightly different)
Movie Maker: Follow the Task Pane