Animation: From Concept to Consumer (Calling All Innovators: A Career for You)
#1 in Calling All Innovators: A Career For You Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
The Calling All Innovators series presents an in-depth exploration of the animation industry, highlighting its evolution from early successes like Steamboat Willie to modern classics like WALL-E. It discusses the mix of art and technology in animation, profiling various artists, engineers, and filmmakers who have contributed to the field. The text is designed for Grades 5-8, helping students understand STEM careers and their role in solving problems and driving innovation. The book includes features like charts and graphs to aid comprehension, and encourages readers to identify the main idea and supporting details while learning about historical and contemporary achievements in animation.
Discussion points
What do you think are the most interesting parts about creating an animation?
If you could create your own animated character, what would it look like and why?
How do you think technology helps animators bring their ideas to life?
What skills do you think are important for someone who wants to work in animation?
Can you think of a time when an animated film or show made you feel a strong emotion? What was it and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and creativity by asking them to describe their own imaginary animated world. Follow up with questions that relate their ideas to the content discussed in the book, such as asking how they would use technology to bring their creations to life. Praise their ideas to boost their confidence and interest in the subject. Consider watching an animated film together, and discuss the elements like storyline, characters, and visual effects to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the animation process.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The book delves into the processes of animation, emphasizing the importance of creativity in transforming simple ideas into visual stories.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creativity in their daily activities, be it through imaginative play, art projects, or problem-solving tasks, fostering innovative thinking from a young age.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Problem-Solving
Explanation: It highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by animators and how they persistently solve problems to create the final product.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of persistence in overcoming challenges, whether in their studies, learning a new skill, or dealing with interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases how animated films are made by teams of artists and technicians who collaborate, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others, sharing ideas, and respecting different viewpoints, which is crucial in school projects and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding Technology
Explanation: Illustrates the technological advancements in animation, providing an introductory understanding of complex tools and software used in the industry.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to become tech-savvy and adapt to new tools and technologies, which is essential in today’s digital age.
Example Lesson: Career Exploration
Explanation: The book offers insights into various roles within the animation industry, helping children understand different career paths.
Real-World Application: Children can start thinking about their interests and potential future careers, fostering a mindset of planning and goal-setting regarding their personal and professional growth.