Workshop: Let’s Make an Aquarium!
Preschool
February 21, 2018
Recently, Jungle class (age 3) and Ocean class (age 2) joined together for a “Let’s Make an Aquarium!” workshop.
Smart Education, Ltd. sent Tomo to lead a lesson using the Artpon! app.
In the story, the app’s character Takopon had drawn a beautiful aquarium but forgotten the sea creatures. The children could help the sad character by contributing their own drawings.
They chose outlines of fish, turtles, crabs, moray eels and other sea creatures, then colored them freely. But even after their beautiful coloring, Takopon still looked sad.
As we photographed each drawing, Takopon began to smile, and the sketchbook started sparkling!
Once every drawing had been photographed, the children’s creatures began swimming in the aquarium. They watched excitedly, calling, “There it is!” as they spotted their own work.
Their creatures disappeared behind seaweed or swam close to the screen, growing larger. Seeing their own pictures move fascinated the children.
When Tomo tapped a creature in the app, it appeared large on the screen. Children proudly called, “Mine!” and introduced the names of the creatures they had drawn.
There was also a shark. At Tomo’s signal, it chased the children’s sea creatures as though trying to eat them. The children cheered their fish on until they drove the shark away and peace returned to the aquarium.
This shark sequence was a particular favorite, prompting repeated requests to do it again.
The children thoroughly enjoyed seeing their own drawings on the screen, swimming alongside their friends’ creations.
The lesson went beyond putting an idea on paper: seeing it move seemed to expand their imaginations even further.
We were able to continue using the app at school and hoped to include it in occasional lessons.
Thank you, Tomo, for such an enjoyable and memorable experience!
Some children enjoyed it so much that, as Tomo left, they asked, “Are you coming tomorrow too?”
Smart Education, Ltd. sent Tomo to lead a lesson using the Artpon! app.
In the story, the app’s character Takopon had drawn a beautiful aquarium but forgotten the sea creatures. The children could help the sad character by contributing their own drawings.
They chose outlines of fish, turtles, crabs, moray eels and other sea creatures, then colored them freely. But even after their beautiful coloring, Takopon still looked sad.
As we photographed each drawing, Takopon began to smile, and the sketchbook started sparkling!
Once every drawing had been photographed, the children’s creatures began swimming in the aquarium. They watched excitedly, calling, “There it is!” as they spotted their own work.
Their creatures disappeared behind seaweed or swam close to the screen, growing larger. Seeing their own pictures move fascinated the children.
When Tomo tapped a creature in the app, it appeared large on the screen. Children proudly called, “Mine!” and introduced the names of the creatures they had drawn.
There was also a shark. At Tomo’s signal, it chased the children’s sea creatures as though trying to eat them. The children cheered their fish on until they drove the shark away and peace returned to the aquarium.
This shark sequence was a particular favorite, prompting repeated requests to do it again.
The children thoroughly enjoyed seeing their own drawings on the screen, swimming alongside their friends’ creations.
The lesson went beyond putting an idea on paper: seeing it move seemed to expand their imaginations even further.
We were able to continue using the app at school and hoped to include it in occasional lessons.
Thank you, Tomo, for such an enjoyable and memorable experience!
Some children enjoyed it so much that, as Tomo left, they asked, “Are you coming tomorrow too?”
Author Profile
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Saeda Sueki-Au-Yeung - Head of Operations / Parent Support Coordinator (Japan)
Saeda studied education and disability sciences in Japan and experienced winning a US collegiate national championship while studying and playing football in America. She values each child's individuality and the opportunities that come from trying new things. Through school operations and parent support, she helps families and staff work as one team to support children's growth.