Do stop-motion with objects
Create a short stop motion movie using small objects, plan frames, move items slightly between photos, then compile them into a smooth animated clip.
About this activity
Create a short stop motion movie using small objects, plan frames, move items slightly between photos, then compile them into a smooth animated clip.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick 1 to 3 small objects and decide on a tiny idea or action for them to do like "walk" or "roll."
- 2
Step 2
Find a flat table to use as your stop-motion stage.
- 3
Step 3
Lay the plain background paper or cloth on the table and tape its edges down so it stays smooth.
- 4
Step 4
Set up steady light so the stage is bright and shadows do not jump around.
- 5
Step 5
Place your objects on the stage and press a little sticky tack under them so they can stay put between moves.
- 6
Step 6
Secure your device on a steady support like a stack of books or a small tripod so the camera will not move.
- 7
Step 7
Open the camera or stop-motion app on your device and get ready to take photos.
- 8
Step 8
Take the first photo making sure the whole scene is in the frame.
- 9
Step 9
Move your object a tiny bit toward the next pose using very small steps for smooth motion.
- 10
Step 10
Take another photo of the new pose.
- 11
Step 11
Repeat Step 9 and Step 10 until your objects reach the final pose and your story is complete.
- 12
Step 12
Transfer the photos into a stop-motion app or simple video editor on your device.
- 13
Step 13
Set the frame rate to about 8 to 12 frames per second so the motion looks smooth.
- 14
Step 14
Export the movie from the app or editor to make a single video file.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished stop-motion movie on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a short stop-motion movie using small objects?
Start by planning a short story or scene and sketch a simple storyboard. Set a stable surface and fixed camera (phone on a tripod). Arrange background and lighting so nothing shifts. Take one photo, move objects slightly, and take the next; repeat until the sequence is done. Aim for 12–24 frames per second for smooth motion. Import photos into a stop‑motion app or video editor, set frame rate, add sounds or titles, then export and review for timing tweaks.
What materials do I need to do stop-motion with toys and objects?
You'll need small objects or toys, a smartphone or camera, and a tripod or stable phone holder. Add a plain background or craft board, steady table, and sticky tack or double‑sided tape to keep pieces in place. Use consistent lighting (lamp or natural light), a stop‑motion app or video editor, plus paper and pencil for a storyboard. Optional extras: small props, batteries/charger, a remote shutter, and adult supervision for very small or fragile items.
What ages is stop-motion with objects suitable for?
Children as young as 4–5 can enjoy simple stop‑motion using large, safe toys with close adult help. Ages 6–9 can plan short scenes and move objects with some supervision. Ages 10+ can handle storyboarding, frame counts, and basic editing independently. Adapt complexity: preschoolers focus on moving one object a few frames; older kids can add sound, titles, and finer movements. Always supervise for small parts and camera handling.
What are the benefits of making stop-motion movies with kids?
Stop‑motion builds creativity, storytelling, planning, and fine motor skills as kids design scenes and control tiny movements. It teaches sequencing, patience, and basic technical skills like framing and using editing apps. Working together improves communication and collaboration, while reviewing clips strengthens reflection and problem‑solving. It's low‑cost and adaptable to school topics (science of motion, language arts). Sharing finished films boosts confidence and gives children a tangible
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don’t have sticky tack, a tripod, or special background paper?
Use a small roll of clear tape or a dab of household putty under objects instead of sticky tack (Step 5), prop your device on a steady stack of books if you lack a tripod (Step 6), and swap the special background for plain printer paper, poster board, or a folded bedsheet taped flat to the table (Step 3).
My objects keep falling over or the motion looks jerky—what should I check?
Check that the background paper is taped flat (Step 3), press sticky tack or tape under each object to steady them (Step 5), lock the camera on a solid support so it never shifts (Step 6), use continuous bright lighting to prevent jumping shadows (Step 4), and make much smaller moves between photos for smoother motion (Steps 9–10).
How can I adapt the activity for a 4-year-old versus a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, choose just one object and do larger, simpler moves with a parent steadying the device (Step 1 and Step 6–10), while a 12-year-old can plan a short storyboard, use 2–3 objects, take more frames, and set the frame rate near 12 fps in the editor (Steps 1, 9–12).
How can we extend or personalize the stop-motion to make it more creative?
Add hand-drawn or cut-out scenery taped behind the stage (Step 3), introduce more characters and tiny props held with sticky tack for micro-movements (Step 5), record voiceovers or add music and titles in the stop-motion app before exporting (Steps 11–13), and finish by sharing the polished film on DIY.org (final step).