The Teachers' Animation Toolkit

Plasticine animation:
This can use the simplest to the most 
hi-tech approach. In class your best approach will probably be 
to use plasticine. Watch the 
Wallace and Gromit
short fi lms for 
inspiration. http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/
Cut-out animation:
Make silhouette cut-out characters and 
place them against a lighter background. Watch 
The Adventures 
of Prince Achmed
for inspiration. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&v=25SP4ftxklg
 Pixilation:
The technique uses human performers who naturally, 
cannot stop moving. Get them to make still poses, like models and 
fi lm them a frame at a time. Watch Norman McLaren’s 
Neighbours
for inspiration. http://www.nfb.ca/fi lm/neighbours_voisins/

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6
The Teachers’ Animation Toolkit
Drawn images
: Use a pencil or marker pen or chalk to create 
a sequence of images on paper. Watch 
Dangermouse
for 
inspiration. http://www.dangermouse.org/
USING THE TOOLKIT
The toolkit is designed as a mix and match resource, rather than a 
course to be followed in a linear fashion. The book is designed to be 
used alongside a 
companion website
, which provides a series of 
closely related resources in the form of video clips and handouts.
Classroom activities are described via 
worksheets. 
These start 
with 
teachers’ notes
, which explain how to deliver the activity and 
often include a little background or historical information. Where 
appropriate,
 extension work
linked to the activity is included here.
This is followed by a 
materials
section listing the art materials, 
equipment and software needed to deliver the activity.
Finally, the