A Center Point School Student works on his stop motion animation props.
Using an iPad and the app Stop Motion Studio, Looking Glass’ Center Point School students are designing, directing, and producing their very own motion pictures. Stop Motion Animation takes a hands-on approach to filmmaking and storytelling. Unlike live-action or 2D “cartoon” animation, stop motion brings real-world, inanimate objects to life.
“I wanted to teach some kind of filmmaking class, so when I saw this stop motion animation iPad application I thought it was great because the students can build it with their hands, they didn’t have to have specific drawing or tech skills,” explained Lin Boyea, Educational and Behavioral Specialist at Center Point School and the creator and teacher of the class.
Stop motion animation appeals to a diverse set of students because it allows them to incorporate their interests and hobbies while exploring other realms of creative expression that they may not have considered before. The aspect of storytelling comes naturally for many of our writers, while other students eased into prop design and puppet making without issue. The digital aspect of using animation software has proven to be an exciting one, as many students began exploring the Stop Motion Studio app on the first day of class and have already discovered several of the hidden features that have yet to be formally introduced in class.
This is an example of one of the Center Point School students completed stop motion animation videos
“Our students can identify their own strengths and find a component of this that appeals to them,” Center Point School Director Lynda Whitener said. “This allows them to be vulnerable and learn that they can do something new. It teaches them patience and boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Lin has done an excellent job teaching this new course and the youth are really excited about it.”
While stop motion is known to be a time-consuming and tedious process, it has been impressive to witness the things Center Point School students create with limited amounts of time and resources. One of the students produced multiple stop motion shorts within the first few class sessions, using a Lego figure, green screen, and unwavering enthusiasm. His eagerness to showcase his work to staff and other peers, in addition to requesting that his videos be sent home to his parents, reaffirms the overall goal of promoting a sense of pride and accomplishment among the students.
Another student spent multiple weeks sculpting clay puppets and shaping Styrofoam props, then staged and filmed a one-and-a-half-minute animation in less than one class period (at 5 frames per second that includes a total of 450 individual shots!).
A Center Point School student works with the blue screen backdrop to help make his stop motion animation figures float.