Zimmer Twins
Common Sense Media says
Safe and simple animation site includes free or fee options.
What parents need to know
Violence & scariness
Sexy stuff
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Privacy & safety
Parents Need to Know
Parents needs to know that this imaginative movie-making site lets users create animated short films using predetermined characters, expressions, actions, and backgrounds. Users can fill movie frames with still drawings, speech bubbles, and transitional words (such as “Meanwhile…”), then string them together to create their very own custom animated movie. It’s simple to make a movie from scratch or complete pre-designed starter films. Kids must register to comment on movies, and the site is moderated daily and uses text filters to ensure content is appropriate. Paid "VIP Members" can share their movies, review other member's movies, and unlock exclusive animation clips. Comments by paid users can be flagged if inappropriate, but are generally positive, supportive, and constructive. Site administrators seem to be diligent in enforcing the site's code of conduct. Some of the best movies (from those with paid memberships) are even selected as “YouTube picks” and uploaded there.
What kids can learn
Subjects
Language & Reading
- writing
- writing clearly
- following directions
- storytelling
Arts
- script writing
Skills
Creativity
- making new creations
- imagination
Communication
- presenting
- conveying messages effectively
Engagement, Approach, Support
Kids will find the Zimmer Twins engaging characters for their short, animated movies. There are limitless options for storytelling, and it's empowering to instruct the characters to perform specific actions or say specific words.
With simple commands and word combinations, kids can create their stories and can see the results of their efforts immediately. Kids can demonstrate learning across a range of subject areas if they set specific goals for their creations.
Easy-to-follow tutorials are provided, and kids get guidance along the way. A small filmstrip lets kids see their progress and make changes at any point. Kids can watch movies created by others for ideas, inspiration, or entertainment.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's it about?
Zimmer Twins is a safe, engaging place for kids to exercise their imagination and create entertaining animated movies. Using an array of simple tools, kids can choose characters, backgrounds, facial expressions, and movements, and then type in words to create dialogue. There are many options for telling stories, though the options become more limitless with a paid membership that unlocks access to additional features.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
Animation is made simple thanks to the Zimmer twins, Edgar and Eva, the animated young characters who star over and over again in the mini-movies on this site. Users can piece together clips of the twins interacting and speaking (through typed words in speech or thought bubbles) through whatever adventures their imaginations create. Choose a theme, create an ending to a “starter,” or simply create from scratch by piecing scenes together. Young animators can save their work for others to watch, rate, and comment on. Educators will also find (paid) classroom memberships that let students create in their classroom. At home or in school, Zimmer Twins is a safe, satisfying romp into the world of animation that lets kids exercise their creative muscle and hone their storytelling skills.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about other ways to create media on your own. What types of media do you wish existed? How can you create something to fill that void?
Talk about why learning about art of all types is important. What types of art-related activities do you learn in school? How can kids use computers to explore art outside of school? What can kids create using the computer?
Talk about how stories can be told in countless ways -- even when all the creators receive the same tools. Is it easier to use predetermined pieces -- like expressions and specific actions -- to put together a story, or would you prefer to create something entirely from your own imagination?
Website details
| Genre: | Creating |
| Pricing structure: | Free |
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QUALITY
Great for all
I love making little videos for my little brother and reading out the words to him I think its a really fun website even for tweens !!
What other families should know
Educational value
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QUALITY
Very Simple, Very Fun!
OK, Seriously this is one of the most simple and fun sites I have let my child on. Kids will pick up easily on how to create their own movie. The great part is how excited tey get to show you their film debut. Parents this is also a guilty pleasure alert as you will find yourselves also becoming a small film director when you create your own films. Great fun.
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QUALITY
perfect for tweens
i love it id be perfect for me
What other families should know
Educational value
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