Beginner Animation with ScratchJr
Encourages creativity through beginner animation projects using ScratchJr’s intuitive interface.
Description : With beginner animation projects on ScratchJr, toddlers explore the basics of motion and timing by creating short animated stories, fostering both creativity and early coding fluency.
Category : Coding & Engineering
Age : 5+
Difficulty Level : Normal
Curriculum :
Module 1: Introduction to ScratchJr Basics Section 1: Exploring the Interface - Lesson 1: Discovering the Home Screen Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn about the main screen and simple icons that open projects. - Lesson 2: Understanding the Toolbar Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Identify and tap on toolbar buttons on ScratchJr. Section 2: Navigating the Stage - Lesson 1: Exploring the Stage Area Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: See where the action happens and explore the large work area. - Lesson 2: Identifying Stage Elements Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learn names for different elements like the grid and background. Section 3: Creating and Editing Characters - Lesson 1: Adding a Character Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Practice choosing a character for your first animation. - Lesson 2: Changing Character Appearance Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Experiment with simple changes like size and color. Section 4: Basic Command Blocks - Lesson 1: Introduction to Command Blocks Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Get to know the movement and action blocks available. - Lesson 2: How to Snap Blocks Together Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn the simple process of arranging blocks in sequence. Section 5: Saving and Sharing Projects - Lesson 1: Saving Your Animation Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Understand how to save your work in ScratchJr. - Lesson 2: Showing Your Creation Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Practice sharing your simple project with a friend. Module 2: Learning Motion and Timing Section 1: Understanding Movement - Lesson 1: Animate with Move Blocks Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Use move blocks to make a character go in a direction. - Lesson 2: Using Directional Arrows Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Explore how arrows show which way characters will move. Section 2: Introducing Timing - Lesson 1: Setting Duration on Movements Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn how to control how long a move lasts. - Lesson 2: Understanding Wait Commands Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Introduce pauses to create timing in animations. Section 3: Movement Patterns - Lesson 1: Creating Repeating Actions Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Experiment with simple loops to repeat movements. - Lesson 2: Experimenting with Motion Patterns Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Change movement orders and practice patterns. Section 4: Combining Movement and Timing - Lesson 1: Synchronizing Moves and Waits Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Practice combining motion blocks with wait commands. - Lesson 2: Creating a Dance Sequence Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Animate a character performing a simple dance. Section 5: Interactive Motion Projects - Lesson 1: Making Characters Chase Each Other Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Use movement blocks to create a fun chase scene. - Lesson 2: Animating a Simple Race Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Develop a short race animation with clear starting and finishing points. Module 3: Creating Simple Animations Section 1: Introduction to Frame-by-Frame Animation - Lesson 1: Understanding Frame-by-Frame Basics Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn what a frame is and how animations are built frame-by-frame. - Lesson 2: Creating a Flipbook Animation Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: Make a simple flipbook style animation using ScratchJr. Section 2: Using Backgrounds and Scenes - Lesson 1: Adding Static Backgrounds Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learn how to set a background to create environment. - Lesson 2: Changing Scenes in a Story Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Practice switching backgrounds to tell a story. Section 3: Adding Sound and Effects - Lesson 1: Attaching Basic Sounds Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Experiment with adding sound effects to your animations. - Lesson 2: Experimenting with Sound Timing Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learn to start sounds at just the right moment. Section 4: Testing and Debugging - Lesson 1: Previewing Your Animation Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: See your work in action and check for simple errors. - Lesson 2: Adjusting Mistakes Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learn to fix issues and improve your animation. Section 5: Creating a Complete Animation - Lesson 1: Planning Your Animated Story Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Draw a simple plan for your animation before you begin. - Lesson 2: Bringing Elements Together Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Combine movement, timing, and backgrounds into a finished project. Module 4: Storytelling and Sequencing Section 1: Basic Story Concepts - Lesson 1: Identifying Story Elements Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: Discuss what makes a basic story, like beginning, middle, and end. - Lesson 2: Creating a Simple Story Outline Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Draw or list a simple plan for your animated story. Section 2: Storyboarding Your Project - Lesson 1: Sketching Story Scenes Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Practice drawing simple scenes that match your story. - Lesson 2: Organizing Your Storyboard in ScratchJr Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learn to arrange your scenes in a logical order using the app. Section 3: Character Dialogues and Actions - Lesson 1: Adding Dialogue Bubbles Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Add simple words to your animation using dialogue bubbles. - Lesson 2: Creating Non-Verbal Interactions Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Use actions to show how characters interact without words. Section 4: Sequencing Scenes - Lesson 1: Arranging Scenes in Order Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learn how to sequence your scenes step-by-step. - Lesson 2: Timing Story Transitions Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Use wait commands to manage the flow between scenes. Section 5: Sharing Your Story - Lesson 1: Presenting Your Animated Story Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Practice telling your story by playing your animation for others. - Lesson 2: Discussing and Reviewing Ideas Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Talk about your work and listen to friendly feedback. Module 5: Combining Elements for a Short Animation Section 1: Integrating Characters and Backgrounds - Lesson 1: Layering Characters on Scenes Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learn how to place characters over backgrounds effectively. - Lesson 2: Customizing Your Background Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Experiment with changing background details to support your story. Section 2: Introducing Special Actions - Lesson 1: Creating Action Sequences Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Animate a series of actions to make your characters appear lively. - Lesson 2: Experimenting with Simple Effects Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Try out effects such as small jumps or turns to add flair. Section 3: Using Multiple Scenes - Lesson 1: Transitioning Between Scenes Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learn how to connect different scenes smoothly. - Lesson 2: Creating Smooth Scene Changes Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practice using timing to ease the transition from one scene to the next. Section 4: Finalizing Your Animation - Lesson 1: Reviewing Your Work Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Look over your project and make simple adjustments where needed. - Lesson 2: Adding Finishing Touches Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Apply small details to improve the overall look of your animation. Section 5: Showcase and Celebration - Lesson 1: Preparing to Share Your Animation Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Practice presenting your animation with pride. - Lesson 2: Celebrating Your Creation Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Enjoy a fun session sharing and celebrating each other’s work.