Day 3: Digital Storytelling with Animation Apps

Today in camp we focused on iPad apps that used digital animation to tell a story.  We used the apps Puppet Pals, Art Maker, Toontastic, ABCya Animate, Tellagami, Puppet Pals.  

Puppet Pals is one of my favorite Apps! In Puppet Pals, children can create simple animated movies with a choice of characters and settings.  Students use their own voice to record the conversations between characters.  Because of its versatile nature, children can use this app for pure fun and enjoyment, as well as a great educational tool for school.

The App itself is free; however, in order to purchase more stock characters, customized characters, and additional settings you would need to purchase the 'Director's Pass' for $4.99.  I think it is well worth the price!

Your children are so creative and imaginative! We love watching their videos! Here are a few:

Art Maker is another favorite for kids of all ages!

Creativity is unlimited when using this app! You can design movies, pictures, books - all with a set of movable props, setting options, and, of course, a microphone.  Students were so engaged in using this app that it was challenging to move on to the next! What a great way to turn a super fun activity into educational lesson! Have your child recreate their favorite book using this app!

Tellagami is another simple app that the students used during camp today.  Here is one that a student created:

https://tellagami.com/gami/34EZHM/

The logistics of the app are basic - customize your character, design a background, and add dialogue.  What a modern and innovative way to share information!
Here are some sample shots:

ABCya Animate allows users to create animation through drawings and images.  Check out the tutorial here to practice more at home.

The students also used Toontastic (recently purchased by Google!) to produce cartoon videos.  This app is very easy to use because it guides children through the steps of a fictional story.  Starting with the setting and characters, the story increases in problems through the climate, conflict, and climax - and then, finally, a resolution. 

There are so many first rate storytelling apps in the digital world,  I just wish we had time in camp to explore them all!!! 

 Some favorite apps that I highly recommend that we did not have time for are:

Sock Puppets

Art Maker

My Story

Show Me

ThingLink

If you have a digital device at home, I would encourage you to purchase these apps and let your children push their creative limits at home!