Computer Animation Software for Kids

Your child can make animations with animation programs tailored to her.

Kids seem to naturally gravitate toward animation. For kids who are inspired to make cartoons like the ones they see on TV, there’s animation software that’s created just for them.

Considerations

Kids who are interested in animation should look into free or inexpensive programs. These allow kids to get a taste of animation in a format made just for them.

Potential

Older kids may enjoy some higher-end free programs. Some of these programs, such as Synfig, produce professional-level animations, according to the Animation Programs website.

Benefits

Young people who think they’d like to become animators benefit from computer-animation programs. These programs teach them the basics principles of animation. Once they master how to animate, they can eventually move on to industry-standard programs like Lightwave or Maya.

Tailored to Kids

Choose programs that are created with kids in mind. For example, Xtra Normal helps kids animate their stories by providing ready-made characters and scenarios; your kids just add the script. Carnegie Mellon’s Alice program teaches kids animation programming in an enjoyable way.

Expert Insight

Peter H. Reynolds, illustrator and creative brain behind Animationish, encourages kids not to worry about being perfect. Animation programs for kids should foster fun and creativity.

References

• Make Use of : Alice Teaches Object Oriented Computer Programming to Kids
• World Village: Kid Pix Studio
• The Last Lecture: About Randy Pausch
• November Learning: Peter Reynolds
• Animation Programs: Top Animation Programs

Resources

• Toonboom: Animationish
• Alice
• Tu Cows: Kids Animation Maker 1.1.1
• Xtra Normal
• Flux Time