Second graders are making a very simple stop motion movie based on Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Stop motion is a technique in which objects are photographed in a series of slightly different positions so that the objects seem to move. Steps done so far:

1. Choose and write a story

Sharing ideas and brainstorming them in order to come up with a short movie idea that has a beginning, middle and end. Nessie must be the protagonist.

2. Choose the location and create backdrops

Using a presentation board to create a backdrop for the movie set (Loch Ness, Scotland).

3. Make characters and props using dough.

Making a list of the characters and props we’ll need for our movie, design them and make them with dough.

4. Create the storyboard

A storyboard is a graphical representation of all the elements of our story, in chronological order.

5. Start the movie

Placing characters and props for the opening image and taking the first shot.

6. Take another photo

Moving the pieces in order to move the plot of the movie forward. Moving props, taking a photo. Moving props, taking a photo. Until we have photographed all of the action…