Movie Making For Kids

Clay animation, or claymation, is one of many forms of stop motion animation. Each animated piece, either character or background, is "deformable" — made of clay or similar medium.

As in other forms of stop-motion animation, the object is arranged on the set (background), a photo or frame is taken, and the character is then moved slightly by hand. Another picture is taken, and the object is moved slightly again. This goes on until the action is done.


Making Clay Animals With Children: Video Series
In this series of free arts & crafts videos you'll see a demonstration of how to make several types of animals from soft colored clay. Expert Rachel Dayan shows you step by step instructions for making a cow, a bear, an elephant and a lady bug, as well as a fruit tree and basket from clay. Great ideas for claymation videos and props.


Tips for Using Clay With Kids -- powered by eHow.com

Claymation Lesson Plan
From Anne Pfeiffer - Cave Spring High School

Clay Animation
Another lesson plan, this one from Incredible @rt

Will Vinton
Some clay animation history from the creator of the California Raisins.

What is Claymation?
A tutorial on claymation, what it does, and how it works.

Animation 101
A project from ThinkQuest

AnimateClay
An entire website dedicated to claymation. The forum is a particularly useful source of unusual information, tips and tricks for animating clay.