Ms. Harrington is an Art teacher at Fairview Elementary and she had a big idea to create a new experience for her students and applied for a classroom grant through the Olathe Public Schools Foundation. This grant was an opportunity to introduce her students to a whole new experience and allow them to study the process of creating Stop Motion animations. They were able to engage in the use of technology and teamwork that goes into the creation of these films. Students were assigned the task of collaborating as a team to plan, design, and decide how they would create movement to tell a story within their animations. The requirement was to demonstrate their understanding of collage and create two-dimensional sets, props, and characters while taking pictures of their work using the Stop Motion Studios app and the iPad stands that would hold the camera steady for a professional and successful final product. Both were obtained through the grant she applied for and received from OPSF.
Students were able to collaborate and work together to plan a story, learn to make compromises, and use flexibility to come to an agreement on a direction for their project. While creating the pieces of the film, the students played to each other's artistic strengths by delegating who would draw, assemble, color, etc. giving every member a vital role in the creation of their project. Finally, the iPad stands allowed students to have their hands free so that they could collaborate on moving the pieces in between each photo taken. Their ability to work together created a strong connection between team members and an overall sense of community in the art room.
When the creation of the animations was finished, we gathered all participating classes in the library for a Stop Motion Movie Premiere. We enjoyed some popcorn, watched, and applauded the hard work each team put into their project. The students were proud of their work and impressed with movies others had created. Celebrating as a large group strengthened the bond among the students and showed the talents and abilities of their peers.
We are thankful for all of our Olathe teachers and teachers like Ms. Harrington that write these grants and bring them to life!