Free AI-assisted K12 Learning

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.