Lesson 1 - Introduction to Stop Motion Animation
1. Understand the basic principles and techniques of stop-motion animation.
2. Gain familiarity with the tools and equipment used in stop-motion animation.

Lesson 2 - Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life: Basic Techniques
1. Master basic animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame movement and capturing smooth transitions.
2. Develop an understanding of timing and pacing in stop-motion animation.

Lesson 3 - Crafting Characters: Character Design and Creation
1. Learn techniques for character design, including shape, color, and visual storytelling elements.
2. Develop skills in creating expressive and unique characters through physical attributes and movements.

Lesson 4 - Storytelling with Stop Motion: Creating Engaging Plots
1. Understand the key elements of storytelling, such as plot structure and character development.
2. Learn how to create engaging narratives in stop-motion animation through effective pacing and suspense.

Lesson 5 - Lights, Camera, Action: Advanced Techniques and Final Projects
1. Explore advanced techniques for lighting in stop-motion animation to set mood and atmosphere.
2. Gain proficiency in camera angles, perspectives, and movements to add a cinematic quality to animations.

Lesson 6 - Set Design and Props: Building Dynamic Environments
1. Develop skills in designing and constructing visually appealing sets and backgrounds.
2. Learn techniques for creating and incorporating props that enhance the storytelling experience.

Lesson 7 - Sound Effects and Music: Enhancing the Stop Motion Experience
1. Understand the role of sound effects in creating a more immersive stop-motion experience.
2. Learn how to select and use music effectively to enhance the mood and emotions of your animations.

Lesson 8 - Mastering Motion: Advanced Movement and Timing Techniques
1. Explore advanced techniques for creating natural and dynamic movements in stop-motion animation.
2. Gain proficiency in timing and pacing to bring life and realism to your characters and scenes.

Lesson 9 - Special Effects and Visual Tricks: Adding Wow Factor to Animations
1. Learn various special effects techniques to add visual impact and excitement to your stop-motion animations.
2. Experiment with creative visual tricks to create illusions and captivate your audience.

Lesson 10 - Film Festival Preparation: Editing, Presenting, and Showcasing Projects
1. Develop editing skills to refine and enhance your stop-motion projects.
2. Gain knowledge and strategies for presenting and showcasing your work effectively in a film festival or presentation setting.

Hello! My name is Amy.
I am so happy to see that you are interested in my class.
Let me tell you a bit about me:

I am so excited about online learning and teaching. My passions encompass education, communications, and technology! Of course, you can read all about me in my Teacher Profile, but here is a little to get you started: 
_____________________________
 👩🏻‍🎓My Educational Background and Expertise👩🏻‍🎓
💫 Licensed teacher in the State of Minnesota
💫 Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood (specialized in Birth to Grade 3) & Elementary Education (K-6)
💫 Masters in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a minor in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)
💫 Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
💫Graduate Level: Information and Communication Technology
_____________________________

🌎 Work & Life Experience 🌎

19 Years of Classroom Experience
🔸11 years in Early Childhood Settings (Prek & Kindergarten)
🔸8 years in Public Education (Kindergarten & 6th Grade)
🔸Afterschool Engineering Club Teacher
🔸Owner and Director of STEAM Summer Enrichment Program for Elementary Aged Students 
🔸Credentialed Online Teacher since 2011
🔸Completed over 5,000 one-to-one ESL Online Classes
🔸TESOL
🔸Child Care Director Credential
🔸Approved Trainer for Adult Education Topics since 2013
🔸4 Years & Counting Homeschooling Mom

Homework Offered
Here are some optional weekly homework assignments based on each class in the series:

Week 1: Class 1 - Introduction to Stop Motion Animation
Homework: Create a short stop motion animation using any objects available at home. Experiment with different movements and explore basic animation principles.

Week 2: Class 2 - Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life: Basic Techniques
Homework: Select a favorite toy or object and create a short stop-motion animation that showcases smooth transitions and incorporates at least three different basic techniques learned in class.

Week 3: Class 3 - Crafting Characters: Character Design and Creation
Homework: Design and create a unique character for your stop-motion animation. Use drawing materials or craft supplies to bring your character to life, and present it with a short backstory or description.

Week 4: Class 4 - Storytelling with Stop Motion: Creating Engaging Plots
Homework: Develop a storyboard for a stop-motion animation with a clear plot and well-defined characters. Include key scenes and write brief descriptions for each scene to showcase your storytelling skills.

Week 5: Class 5 - Lights, Camera, Action: Advanced Techniques and Final Projects
Homework: Plan and begin working on your final stop-motion animation project. Experiment with lighting techniques and incorporate at least one advanced camera movement or angle into your animation.

Week 6: Class 6 - Set Design and Props: Building Dynamic Environments
Homework: Create a miniature set or background for your stop-motion animation. Use various materials and props to enhance the visual appeal and storytelling elements of your scene.

Week 7: Class 7 - Sound Effects and Music: Enhancing the Stop Motion Experience
Homework: Add sound effects and background music to one of your previous stop-motion animations or create a new short animation with carefully selected audio elements that enhance the overall experience.

Week 8: Class 8 - Mastering Motion: Advanced Movement and Timing Techniques
Homework: Create a short stop motion animation that showcases advanced movement techniques learned in class, focusing on smooth and realistic motions with precise timing.

Week 9: Class 9 - Special Effects and Visual Tricks: Adding Wow Factor to Animations
Homework: Experiment with special effects and visual tricks to create a short stop motion animation that incorporates at least one impressive visual effect or trick to captivate your audience.

Week 10: Class 10 - Film Festival Preparation: Editing, Presenting, and Showcasing Projects
Homework: Edit and finalize your final stop-motion animation project. Pay attention to sequencing, pacing, and smooth transitions. Prepare a brief presentation or showcase plan to present your project to the class or family members.

Please note that these homework assignments are optional and designed to encourage further exploration and practice. Students can choose to participate based on their interests and available time.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments for each class in the series:

Week 1: Class 1 - Introduction to Stop Motion Animation
Assessment: Evaluate students' understanding of basic stop-motion animation principles through a hands-on exercise where they demonstrate their ability to create simple stop-motion animation.

Week 2: Class 2 - Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life: Basic Techniques
Assessment: Create a short stop motion animation using basic techniques taught in class. Assess students' ability to apply smooth transitions, capture consistent movements, and maintain appropriate timing.

Week 3: Class 3 - Crafting Characters: Character Design and Creation
Assessment: Students present their designed character and provide a brief explanation of the character's backstory or traits. Assess students' creativity in character design and their ability to effectively communicate the character's personality through visuals.

Week 4: Class 4 - Storytelling with Stop Motion: Creating Engaging Plots
Assessment: Present their storyboard for a stop-motion animation project. Evaluate their storytelling skills based on the clarity of the plot, character development, and inclusion of key scenes.

Week 5: Class 5 - Lights, Camera, Action: Advanced Techniques and Final Projects
Assessment: Evaluate students' final stop-motion animation projects based on their implementation of advanced techniques, such as lighting, camera movements, and visual composition. Assess the overall quality and effectiveness of their animations.

Week 6: Class 6 - Set Design and Props: Building Dynamic Environments
Assessment: Students present their miniature set or background design and explain how it enhances the storytelling experience. Assess creativity, attention to detail, and ability to create visually appealing environments.

Week 7: Class 7 - Sound Effects and Music: Enhancing the Stop Motion Experience
Assessment: Evaluate students' use of sound effects and music in stop-motion animation. Assess their ability to select appropriate audio elements that enhance the mood and storytelling, as well as the synchronization between visuals and audio.

Week 8: Class 8 - Mastering Motion: Advanced Movement and Timing Techniques
Assessment: Assess students' proficiency in advanced movement and timing techniques by evaluating a short stop-motion animation they create. Looking for smooth and natural movements, precise timing, and overall animation quality.

Week 9: Class 9 - Special Effects and Visual Tricks: Adding Wow Factor to Animations
Assessment: Evaluate students' ability to incorporate special effects and visual tricks into stop-motion animation. Assess the creativity, impact, and technical execution of the visual effects used.

Week 10: Class 10 - Film Festival Preparation: Editing, Presenting, and Showcasing Projects
Assessment: Evaluate students' final stop-motion animation projects based on the overall quality, editing, pacing, and presentation skills. Assess their ability to effectively showcase their work and engage an audience.

Assessment will be used for the following:
1) Can help gauge students' understanding and progress in various aspects of stop-motion animation throughout the series. This allows me to adapt and adjust learning to meet their needs.
2) Adjust teaching based on the specific goals and learning outcomes and student needs.
Grades Offered