 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Xtranormal
Common Sense Media says
Turn stories into cool, creative animated movies.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that XTRANORMAL is a safe, creative site that helps turn stories into high-quality animated movies. Teens and tweens can bring their own dialogue to life by choosing and customizing characters, voices, expressions, movements, and text to create short, animated movies about any topic. Once a movie is complete and rendered, it can be shared via social media channels or linked to in emails, blogs, etc. The opportunities for creativity are endless, but the free version has limitations and users are encouraged to purchase additional Xtranormal Points in order to access more "actors," sets, backgrounds, and other premium features.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn and apply simple technology skills to create custom animated videos through Xtranormal. Even young kids can use the drag-and-drop tools to bring characters and stories to life, and older kids can practice their writing skills by drafting conversational dialogue. With Xtranormal, there's no limit to the imaginative ways kids can express themselves and apply their storytelling skills.
Subjects
- Language & Readingfollowing directions, storytelling, writing
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Artsacting, script writing, theater
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
- Creativityimagination, making new creations, producing new content
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skillsdigital creation, using and applying technology
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
Xtranormal is an engaging interactive tool that helps kids (or their parents!) create mini movies by choosing animated actors and then plugging in dialogue to tell a story. Create the environment, type in text, select specific facial expressions and movements, and the site magically transforms your directions into a cool clip to keep and share. Xtranormal creations are everywhere online, from viral comedy clips to corporate training videos to educational lessons. Although you can try it for free, the more you spend on extra features, the more creative you can be.
Is it any good?
Not everyone has the talent for a career in animation, but Xtranormal makes it possible for anyone to create animated stories. It's easy to get drawn into the creative process because the tools are so simple to use and the end result -- the mini animated movie -- is so well done and fun to watch. The text-to-movie technology and drag-and-drop functions make it simple to customize a scene, give personality to the characters, and create conversations between the animated "actors," who can range from superheroes or stick figures to crash test dummies or zombies. A variety of voices, accents, and languages lets you pick how a character speaks, but once the dialogue is stitched together, there's still a slightly robotic cadence to the conversation. Kids, parents, and educators will find much to love and create here. But there are challenges -- such as stepping away from the screen and not spending more money on the extremely appealing animation extras.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how digital technology can be used to create forms of self expression.
Talk about being responsible for how digital creations are shared and how anything created and put into the digital world can ultimately be captured, seen, or sent around by anyone.
Talk about what is and is not appropriate when creating digital content from scratch. What should kids be cautious about, especially when their creations will be shared with others?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn and apply simple technology skills to create custom animated videos through Xtranormal. Even young kids can use the drag-and-drop tools to bring characters and stories to life, and older kids can practice their writing skills by drafting conversational dialogue. With Xtranormal, there's no limit to the imaginative ways kids can express themselves and apply their storytelling skills.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: following directions, storytelling, writing
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
- Arts: acting, script writing, theater
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning:
- Creativity: imagination, making new creations, producing new content
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills: digital creation, using and applying technology
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Using easy-to-use computer tools, kids can create imaginative scenes and direct their characters to act out stories precisely the way they want them. They can easily infuse their storytelling with emotion, actions, and expressions by dragging and dropping icons to insert specific directions. They can type in text that will turn to spoken dialogue and create conversations and storylines. They can experience social media by sharing their finished products via various networks.
How parents can help
- Help younger kids think through a video script. Start small by animating a joke or riddle.
- Discuss how technology and online tools can spark imagination in new and interesting ways.
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| Genre: | Creating |
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