Animation and Performance

Whittier Elementary School, East Oakland (2008)

This VALA (Visual Arts / Language Arts) program focused on combining creative writing with visual and performing arts. Three different classes of 5th graders were taught Claymation; students completed four short animations, designed six sets, molded seven clay characters, imagined new worlds, wrote scripts and narrated the films. The teacher tapped into the interests and knowledge of her students while enabling them to depart from conventional stories. This project was a wonderful example of the power of art to inspire creative thought, encourage collaboration, and develop writing and interpersonal skills, all in conjunction with school curricula mandates.