Digital Storytelling with Toontastic

Every child loves telling stories in their own way, however not every child likes to take time to put pencil to paper. In my home, we have four extremely different personalities. First, there is the oldest daughter who loves to write and enjoys creating her own illustrations. Each story is detailed and filled with imagery and dialogue. Then, we have a son who takes a comic book approach to writing. He is filled with ideas and slapstick humor, however he gets flustered when trying to put these down to pen and paper in a formal writing setting. His hand cannot keep up with his thoughts. Next, we have the seven year old daughter who possesses advanced creativity and storytelling abilities, but gets frustrated with the time it takes to write everything. As a result, she tends to be a reluctant writer. Finally, we have a four year old preschooler with an exciting imagination who loves to ramble! As a homeschooling mom and educator, I am constantly searching for materials and programs to engage, motivate and excite our children about learning and to develop their creativity and critical thinking. Launchpad Toys, the developers of Toontastic, has answered the call and offers something for each of our children!

Launchpad Toys is committed to providing quality digital tools to help teachers and parents develop a child's creativity. Their idea is simple: give the child the right tools and let their imagination take control! If you have ever watched your child recreate a Star Wars base out of a box of Lego bricks or listened to your daughter act out exciting adventures with her dolls, you know exactly what I mean! A child's mind is an amazing thing and full of potential if pointed in the right direction.

Toontastic, their latest app, transforms the iPad from a mobile device into a launch pad of creativity! Our children have been fighting for the iPad for the past two weeks not to play Angry Birds or Life, but to create movies on Toontastic. Basically, my strategy was straightforward: offer the bait and see if they bite! From his first use, our video-gamed obsessed, eight year old son was hooked! He actually asked to stay up late to finish his movie! Our daughter told me it made "making stories fun because it was easy to use and didn't take a lot of time." I was delighted and shocked when they asked, "Mom, what is meant by the conflict of a story?" That comment initiated a discussion about the different types of conflict present in literature. It was amazing! Toontastic served not only as a springboard into a literary discussion, but as a spark to ignite a creative explosion in our son's writing and digital storytelling.

In addition to developing literacy skills, students also have the opportunity to show off their more artistic side. Throughout the creation process, children choose from existing characters and backgrounds or have the option to draw their own. In addition, each scene can be easily animated by simply dragging the pictures. This has completely captured our oldest daughter's attention because of her interest in graphic design and animation. Although she has not started a project, she has been brainstorming ways to create a Manga "toon."

Digital storytelling has increased in popularity over the past couple of years with the onset of Web 2.0 tools, social media, apps and advancing computer technologies. This strategy of merging recorded voice with computer tools has revolutionized the art of storytelling while opening doors for students to express their ideas in an innovative manner. Reluctant writers flourish while seasoned writers find new ways of self-expression.

Apps like Toontastic also pave the way for a new era in storytelling by allowing users to share their digital stories on Toontube. Modeled after popular sites like Vimeo or YouTube, Toontube is a safe place for children to publish their creations for a larger community. Their projects can be nominated for Merit badges and then voted on by viewers. Launchpad Toys has created this feature as part of a global literacy initiative in which children can create, connect and share with other children all over the world. What an amazing way to promote cultural literacy! Children learn by doing and through their peers. This app accomplishes both in a creative and fun way!

Finally, teachers should not fear students "falling behind" or failing to meet national standards. Through the use of this app, students follow a Story Arc representing the "emotional spine of the story". Literary elements such as setting, characterization, plot, conflict and resolution play a central role in creating each "toon." Each story is built one scene at a time correlating with various literary elements. Children as young as preschool are introduced to these advanced ideas laying a foundation upon which to build. In addition, students develop proficiency in writing and improve their visual literacy while meaningfully integrating technology to stimulate creativity and foster critical thinking.

As a parent, educator, and homeschooling mom, I recommend Toontastic as a fantastic way to encourage reluctant writers and foster creativity. Through play, children create, imagine, and learn by constructing knowledge, building confidence and connecting globally with their peers. Below I have included a classroom teaching guide and examples of our own son's work. I can't wait to see your children's creations and get feedback about your expereinces.

Classroom Teaching Guide

Example of Story Arc

Example of Script