“Through the Classroom Window” is an opportunity for teachers to share the inspiring learning that takes place in their classrooms, giving others a glimpse into the heartbeat of the school. Today, Grade 3 teacher Mika Gang shares her students’ original stop animation film, inspired by learning on Indigenous cultures and a well-known children’s song.


This year, Grade 3 students learned about different Indigenous practices and traditions. For example, they learned that many Indigenous communities integrate practices of gratitude into their everyday lives.

Inspired by this, students wrote their own lyrics to the tune of “Thanks a Lot”—a song about gratitude by Canadian singer Raffi.

Students’ lyrics focus on the plants, animals, and celestial entities that we see around us. Their words also reflect learning on Indigenous creation stories, Jewish holidays, and the experience of community.

Based on these lyrics, students created paper artwork. Next, they planned how they wanted it to “move.” Using stop motion animation techniques, they took photographs of their paper art and subtly shifted it across a background to create the illusion of movement.

Finally, with musical instruments and their own voices, they made a beautiful soundtrack to accompany the film.

We are very proud to present you with their final product! Thanks a lot for watching!

 

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“Through the Classroom Window” is an opportunity for teachers to share the inspiring learning that takes place in their classrooms, giving others a glimpse into the heartbeat of the school.

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