Class Description

These classes are designed to introduce students to the art of sand animation, a stop-motion storytelling technique using sand. It combines elements of illustration and storytelling, fostering creativity, patience, and visual communication skills.

Target Age Group

The plan can be adapted for various age groups, from elementary to high school, adjusting the complexity of techniques and projects according to the students' age and skill level.

Objectives

• Understand the basic principles of animation.

• Explore different sand manipulation techniques.

• Develop storytelling skills.

• Practice patience and concentration while creating sand animations.

• Learn with stop-motion tools.

Materials

• Plastic tray (or any flat, translucent container) or lightbox if available.

• Sand (fine beach sand sifted or commercial sand for sand animation)

• Solid tools for creating textures (spoons, brushes, rods, paper)

• Smartphone (with the Stopmotion app installed)

• Smartphone tripod (optional but recommended for image stability)

• Stopmotion app

Curriculum Outline

• Introduction to sand animation

• History: Brief exploration of the history of sand animation, observing examples by professional artists.

• Techniques: Basic sand manipulation. Smoothing, textures, and basic shapes.

• Silhouettes: Creating simple figures and objects using silhouettes.

• Activity: Students create a short sand animation scene representing a simple story.

Skill Development

Advanced techniques

Presents techniques such as layering sand for depth, incorporating details with small tools, and quick transitions.

Storyboard

Analyzes the importance of planning and storyboarding for sand animation. Students create simple storyboards for their next animation project.

Introduction to stop-motion

Briefly explains the concept of stop-motion animation and how it applies to sand animation.

Taking photographs

Demonstrates how to take still photographs for stop-motion animation, focusing on capturing small changes in the sand image. (Optional: Practice using a tripod for better image quality).

Elements of storytelling

Analyzes the essential elements of storytelling such as plot, character development, and emotions.

Sound and music

Introduce the concept of adding sound and music to enhance the sand animation story.

Reflection

Students write a brief reflection on their experience, including the challenges they faced and what they learned.

20€ for a 1.5h class

Contact: dangrins@gmail.com