Character Development: Using Brush Ninja to Animate Character Traits Lesson Plan
Learning Objective
Students will be able to use Brush Ninja animated gif maker to create an animated character that reflects certain character traits.
Materials
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Brush Ninja website
- Character trait brainstorming worksheet (handout)
Procedure
- Introduction: Begin by asking students what they think makes a good character in a story. Discuss the importance of character development and how it can make or break a story.
- Brainstorming: Distribute the Character Trait Brainstorming Worksheet and ask students to brainstorm different character traits that could be used to describe their own personalities, or characters they would like to create.
- Demonstration: Show students how to use Brush Ninja by creating a simple animation yourself, explaining the various tools and features as you go along.
- Practice: Allow students time to play around with Brush Ninja and create their own simple animations using shapes, colors, etc.
- Application: Once comfortable with the tool, have each student choose 2-3 of the character traits from their worksheet and create an animated gif that represents those traits.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the following:
- Creativity in representing chosen character trait(s)
- Technical proficiency using Brush Ninja (use of the tools)
- Ability to follow instructions
- Overall quality of finished product
Extension
For advanced learners:
- Create longer animations that tell a short story about your character.
- Experiment with different animation techniques such as stop-motion or hand-drawn animation.
- Collaborate with classmates to create a group animation that tells a story featuring each of their characters.
← Character Design and Animation with Brush NinjaChemical Reactions →
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#BrushNinja can be used for more than animations. Comics were created by 4th grade last week
Tweeted by Pamela Reece4th graders at @HarvieElem have been showcasing their knowledge on the different phases of the moon by creating GIF animations using Brush Ninja! 🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔
Tweeted by Ms. RaymondSs were introduced to animation this week using #BrushNinja….I love their creativity and excitement for learning new skills #proudtobeEP #makersgonnamake @EastPointeElem
Tweeted by Megan WhitsonCheck out the #GIFs 2-3 and 4-5 students have created in #BrushNinja!
Tweeted by Amanda Korell FuderBlown away by my 4th graders creativity with https://Brush.Ninja Ss were asked to create a rock star Gif out of only polygons and geometric shapes. Amazing!!
Tweeted by Joe BeasleyTried out a great website for 4th grade Makerspace this week. With https://Brush.ninja you can build an animated gif - great results in a short time! Easy to learn, free & no account needed. Thumbs up from students!
Tweeted by Sarah Hooley