Teaching the 12 Principles Effectively

Teaching animation principles requires meeting students where they are. Here's how to communicate each principle at different levels.

Teaching Strategies by Principle

1. Squash and Stretch

Show first: Bouncing ball exercise - universal, immediate, undeniable. Common confusion: Students preserve shape instead of volume. Use clay demonstration. Key phrase: "Volume stays the same, shape changes."

2. Anticipation

Show first: Video of real athletes - every jump has a crouch. Common confusion: Making anticipation too large or too long. Key phrase: "The audience needs a heads-up."