What this lesson teaches
Children learn the basics of storytelling through visual animation and movement. This activity encourages imaginative thinking and helps them understand how light and shadows create dynamic scenes.
Creative Arts
Can you finish animate with shadows in about 30 min?
Animate with Shadows
You will children learn the basics of storytelling through visual animation and movement.
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 13–14
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectCreative Arts
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What you need
How the activity runs
The learning connection
Using embodied cognition, children engage their whole bodies to create movements. This tactile experience aids in memory retention and comprehension of narrative structure as they animate their stories using shadows.
Try it with your learner
1. Gather a flashlight, a white wall, and cardboard. 2. Cut out simple shapes (animals or characters) from the cardboard. 3. Set the flashlight to shine towards the wall. 4. Hold the cutouts between the flashlight and the wall to project shadows. 5. Create a short story using the shadows — let them dance or interact! 6. Perform your puppet show for family members and get their feedback.