Running Your First Animation Lesson
This guide shows how to run a simple animation lesson using Brush Ninja in one class period. Students will make a short looping animation and export it as a GIF.
Who this is for
This works well for ages 7-14 (KS2-KS3), although older students can go further with the same structure. It also works for clubs and home learning.
What you’ll need
Students will need access to a device such as a Chromebook, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, along with a modern web browser and internet connection.
For collecting work, it is helpful to have access to a shared folder, Padlet, or learning platform, although this is optional.
Students do not need accounts to take part.
Lesson overview (40-60 minutes)
- 5 mins Explain the goal and show examples
- 10 mins Demo the basics
- 20-30 mins Students create their animation
- 5-10 mins Export, share, and reflect
Before the lesson (teacher prep)
Before the lesson, open the Animation Maker and create a simple 4–6 frame animation yourself. Export it as a GIF so you can show students what a finished example looks like.
Decide in advance how students will submit their work. This might be through your LMS, a shared folder, or a Padlet board.
For a smoother start, prepare a simple prompt on the board, such as a bouncing ball, a waving flag, or a flower growing.
How to use Brush Ninja Animation Maker
Step-by-step lesson plan
1. Introduce the task (5 minutes)
Explain the aim in one sentence:
Make a short looped animation that clearly shows an idea.
Show 2-3 examples. Keep them simple. There are some in the gallery that may help. Then tell students what success looks like:
Explain that a good animation should loop smoothly, be easy to understand, and export correctly as a GIF.
2. Quick demo (10 minutes)
Open Animation Maker on your screen and demonstrate:
- Draw a simple shape on the first frame.
- Add a new frame.
- Make a small change to show movement.
- Play the animation.
- Adjust timing if needed.
- Export as a GIF.
Keep the demo basic. Use a single object. Avoid complex scenes.
Good demo ideas include a bouncing ball, a waving stick figure, or a blinking face.
3. Student creation time (20–30 minutes)
Give students a clear constraint. Constraints help.
Choose one:
- 4–6 frames only
- One object only
- Black and white only
- A loop that starts and ends the same
Offer a few simple prompts, such as an object moving, a process like plant growth, or a changing facial expression. This helps students get started quickly.
As students work, walk around and check that they are using multiple frames, changing the drawing between frames, playing back their work, and creating a clear loop.
4. Export and submit (5–10 minutes)
Ask students to export their final animation as a GIF.
Students can usually submit their work through your LMS, a shared folder, or a Padlet board. Email should be a last resort.
If time is tight, prioritise exporting over polishing.
Classroom tips
- Pair students if devices are limited. One draws, one directs. Swap halfway.
- Encourage simple drawings. Clear motion beats detail.
- Use a timer. Many students will fiddle forever if you let them.
- Ask students to name their file sensibly before submitting.
Differentiation
To support students who need structure, provide a simple template idea, limit the number of frames, and encourage them to copy your demo before adapting it.
To stretch confident students, invite them to add a second moving object, include a background image, or animate a cause-and-effect sequence.
Common problems and quick fixes
- “It doesn’t look like it moves.” Make the change between frames bigger. Exaggerate movement.
- “It flickers or looks messy.” Keep the drawing consistent. Move one part at a time. Use onion skinning (the ghosted previous frame) to help.
- “It won’t export / I can’t find the file.” Export again and check the Downloads folder. Ask them to rename the file.
- “Someone lost their work.” If they refreshed the page, the work may be gone. Encourage exporting drafts during longer sessions.
Reflection (2 minutes)
End with one quick prompt:
- What did you change between frames to show motion?
- What would you improve with five more minutes?
- What did you learn about the topic by animating it?
Short reflection is enough. It turns “making” into “learning”.
Extensions and next steps
- Turn the same idea into a short explanation GIF for homework.
- Make a sequence: “before, during, after”.
- Create a class gallery of animations around a topic.
Classroom Examples
See how other students have used animation to explain ideas:
Making our mark on International Dot Day-ish with Brush Ninja Animation Maker!
Tweeted by Rosemary LaraHere’s some fantastic GIF animations created by some of @esmsedinburgh’s P5 classes using Brush Ninja - a moon invasion and time-lapse plant growing cartoon! Totally normal thing to say in this job 🤣
Tweeted by Mr RigbyWhen the ice cream van has visited the school playground it must be the last week of school term in Scotland! Enjoy the summer holidays!
Tweeted by Heather HaynesWait for the end…Stewart’s Melville College @esmsedinburgh becomes Hogwarts @harrypotter! Animation creativity through a 9 year old child’s eyes.
Tweeted by Heather HaynesSpace Science is a favourite topic of young children! Recent launches by @SpaceX and @BoeingSpace keep their interest alive and I love that we provide space related learning opportunities well after the formal curriculum topic ends. Every mission shapes their future! Exciting!
Tweeted by Heather HaynesSee more examples of Brush Ninja being used by teachers →
