Animating Across the Curriculum

This film showcases some of the fantastic animations we've received from teachers and students using Animation-ish™, our easy-to-use animation software. It highlights how educators are inspiring students to "show what they know" and make more creative, meaningful connections with content in all subject areas!

Special thanks to all the teachers and students who have shared their work with us and contributed to this video! If you or your students are creating projects, we'd love to see them. Please email your creations with a brief description to info@FableVisionLearning.com.

NEW Animation-ish Tutorial & Challenge!

The Challenge :

Peter H. Reynolds’ 7th grade teacher inspired him to animate math concepts, and your students can animate what they are learning as well. Motivate your students to combine the art of animation with any concept they have been learning in class. We can't wait to see what they come up with, and we'll publish a selection of outstanding entries in an upcoming blog post!

How to do it :

New to animation? No problem! We’ve collected some quick, simple resources to turn you into a pro in no time.1. First, watch this video tutorial to get an overview of Animation-ish.2. Then visit our website to download your free software trial.3. Lastly, refer to this simple quick start guide as you explore the program.

Submission Information:

When your students have completed their animation, you may email the Animation-ish file to us, or use a program like YouSendIt if the file is too large to email. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions! If you added music or titles, please send us a QuickTime movie. Be sure to follow all student privacy and parental permission guidelines as specified by your school. In your submission for each student, please include:

• Your school name and state (and country, if outside the U.S.)
• The student's first name and grade level

Please email us if you have any questions. We can't wait to see your students' animations!

Live Wire Digital Storytelling Contest Deadline Extended Until February 18th

Calling all educators and students in the Boston Public Schools! It's not too late to participate in the  Live Wire Digital Storytelling Contest. The deadline for the contest, held by the City of Boston's Community Learning Initiative and FableVision, has been extended until February 18, 2011. New contest details will be posted soon!

live_wire_video_poster

(Suggestion: You might encourage your students to explore Animation-ish to create their animated clips - there's a free trial available online!)

"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" Animation

A 5-year old creates a great animation using Animation-ish about his favorite book, "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom." The colorful book, co-written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault helps children to learn about the alphabet as the letters fall from a coconut tree. Check out his video below! Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Wes Fryer talks about the importance of "Animation-Ish"

"Kids need digital tools which support creative expression.

Kids need encouragement and space to make choices in expressing themselves creatively.

Kids need opportunities to learn how to make their own creative products by observing other learners creating and sharing. A step-by-step manual and lesson plan may not be needed at all. Time to observe, listen, and be mentored is what’s essential.

Kids need opportunities to share and celebrate their creations with others.

Thanks to Deb Barrows for taking the time to teach Sarah about Animation-ish at ACTEM, and to Cheryl for engaging as a reflective observer as well as participant in this process as well."

Please check out his blog post here.

Using "The Grey Ghost" in the Classroom

Based on the book The Grey Ghost by children's author Julie Hahnke, this film demonstrates the potential for using animation to illustrate curriculum topics. A brief summary of The Grey Ghost:

When Black Duncan Campbell starts attacking his neighbors in 1526 Scotland, eleven-year-old Angus suddenly finds himself the sole survivor of Clan Macnab. Aided by a goshawk and a pine marten, and urged forward by a mysterious luna moth, Angus must uncover his clan’s heritage, reveal ancient secrets, and try to end the Campbells’ rampage.

This film highlights three curriculum topics from The Grey Ghost: navigation and map reading, the internal gearing of a Medieval grist mill, and the life cycle of a luna moth. The film was developed by interns at FableVision Learning who worked closely with Julie Hahnke to bring The Grey Ghost to life. All animations were created with FableVision Learning’s Animation-ish™ program, designed for grades K-12.

Animation-Ish Reviewed on "The Digital Lifestyle"

"The Digital Lifestyle" has reviewed the program "Animation-Ish" on their YouTube channel.  Although they suggest that you need a tablet to create (you don't, but it comes in handy)....It's a great review.