Write a one-sentence description of your animation
Make a short stop-motion animation using small toys, a smartphone or tablet, and paper backgrounds; learn sequencing, timing, and storytelling while filming frame by frame.
About this activity
Make a short stop-motion animation using small toys, a smartphone or tablet, and paper backgrounds; learn sequencing, timing, and storytelling while filming frame by frame.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Write a one-sentence description of your animation that says what happens and who the characters are.
- 2
Step 2
Pick 1 to 3 small toys to be the characters in your story.
- 3
Step 3
Choose a paper background and draw or color any scenery you want on it.
- 4
Step 4
Tape or prop the paper background upright at the back of your flat table so it will not fall over.
- 5
Step 5
Place your smartphone or tablet on a stable surface or stack of books so the camera can see the whole scene without moving.
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Step 6
Open the camera app or a stop-motion app on the device and make sure it will take photos one by one.
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Step 7
Put your toys in the starting position inside the camera frame.
- 8
Step 8
Tap the button to take the first photo.
- 9
Step 9
Move your toys a tiny bit toward the next position for the next moment in the story.
- 10
Step 10
Take the next photo after your small move.
- 11
Step 11
Repeat moving the toys a little and then taking a photo until your whole one-sentence story is acted out.
- 12
Step 12
Play back the photos in the app to watch your animation and notice any jerky parts.
- 13
Step 13
Retake any parts that look jumpy by repeating small moves and photos where needed.
- 14
Step 14
Add your one-sentence description as a title card or short voiceover and save or export the animation.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished animation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How to make a stop-motion animation with toys
Start by planning a short story or sequence of actions and sketching a simple storyboard. Set up a flat surface, tape down a paper background, and secure your smartphone or tablet on a tripod or stable stack. Place a toy, take a frame, move the toy slightly, and take another frame. Repeat until the scene completes, then play back and adjust timing. Export the clip and add simple sound or titles in an editing app.
Materials needed for a toy stop-motion animation
You'll need small toys or figures, a smartphone or tablet with a stop-motion app, and a stand or tripod to keep the camera steady. Add paper backgrounds, tape or blu-tack to hold pieces, a desk lamp for consistent lighting, and optional props like playdough or cardstock. A simple editing app, spare batteries, and a flat surface round out supplies. Many free stop-motion apps work well for beginners.
Suitable ages for stop-motion animation with small toys
This activity suits different ages: with adult help, preschoolers (about 4–6) can do simple two-frame moves and learn sequencing. Elementary kids (7–11) can plan short stories, operate apps, and refine timing independently. Tweens and teens can create longer scenes, add effects, and learn editing. Supervise young children for device safety and choking hazards from small toys; adjust complexity to each child’s attention and fine-motor skills.
Benefits of making stop-motion animations for kids
Stop-motion teaches sequencing, timing, and storytelling while boosting creativity and patience. Kids practice fine motor control by moving small pieces, problem-solving through planning and framing, and basic digital skills when using apps and editing. Working together builds communication and confidence. It’s also an approachable introduction to STEM concepts like frames per second and cause-and-effect, plus it encourages persistence as children iterate to improve their animations.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If we don't have a smartphone or tablet, what can we use instead to take the one-by-one photos?
Use a digital camera, a laptop webcam with a stop-motion program, or a borrowed phone and set it on a stack of books or a small tripod so the camera can see the whole scene as in the 'Place your smartphone or tablet on a stable surface' step.
My animation looks jumpy even after replaying—what part of the process should I fix and how?
Make smaller, more consistent moves when you 'Move your toys a tiny bit,' keep the device completely still on a stable surface or tripod, and retake any jumpy sections by repeating small moves and photos as the instructions say.
How can I adapt this activity for preschoolers versus teens?
For preschoolers, use one toy, larger movements, and have an adult press the camera button, while teens can use 2–3 characters, detailed drawn backgrounds, a stop-motion app with onion-skinning, and add a title card or voiceover.
How can we make our animation more interesting or personal before sharing on DIY.org?
Personalize the paper background with painted scenery or props, record a short voiceover or sound effects to add as a title card or audio track, and try adding extra characters or a longer sequence before saving and exporting.