Yeah, so the wow factor isn’t there, but hey for 10 minutes what do you expect? Besides, the point was just to show him how it works. It’s a super-simple project and sure beats making a macaroni painting, don’t it?

Materials needed:

• “Actors” (clay figures, toys, etc.)
• “Stage” (tabletop)
• Still camera (cameraphone, etc.)
• Tripod or other way to take photos from the same angle each time
• Computer with photo software (alternatively you can print out photos and make a flipbook)

Time needed: About 10 minutes, depending on complexity. The idea is simple: Take a picture, move the actors. Take a picture, move the actors, repeat. Then simply import the photos into your computer and create a slideshow. More frames and a shorter slide duration will make for a smoother movement effect.

If you have iPhoto, here is the procedure and settings:

• Import the photos and give them the same event title.
• Select all of the photos you want to use and select View: Show in Toolbar: Slideshow
• Settings: Play each slide for 1 second, Transition:None, Deselect Automatic Ken Burns Effect.
• File: Export to create a Quicktime movie.

My son is only 3, so I let him take the pictures while I moved the actors around on the stage. Alternatively, you could let him move the actors. Other materials you can use: Sand or glitter paintings, scraps of paper, drawings, pipe cleaners, the list is truly endless. A budding animator could really get into this! We had fun so I may try this again for myself!

MDR

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