 | 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. |
Zimmer Twins
Common Sense Media says
Safe and simple animation site includes free or fee options.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need 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. The virtual audience can watch and comment on movie clips. Some of the best ones (from those with paid memberships) are selected as “YouTube picks” and uploaded there.
Is it any good?
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 simple create from scratch by piecing scenes together. Young animators can save their work for others to watch, rate, and comment on. This safe, satisfying romp into the world of animation lets kids exercise their creative muscles and hone their storytelling skills while offering enough limits to keep beginners from getting overwhelmed.
Online interaction: Users can interact with each other by posting comments about individual movie clips. Paid members can post unique comments, and those using the site for free can choose from an extensive set of prewritten comments. 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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about other ways to create media on your own. What types of media do you wish existed but doesn’t? 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 are you taught in school? How can kids use computers to explore art outside of school? What type of things 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?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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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Kid, 10 years old
January 19, 2011
AGE
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 !!
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AGE
Cool!
Its a very fun website! Its fun to make the videos ;)
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AGE
perfect for tweens
i love it id be perfect for me
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Kid, 12 years old
July 28, 2010
AGE
Ignore the "7" or "8+" rating, this is fun for all ages!
i love this site! even 6 or 7. there is no bad things
on here
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AGE
Ignore the "7" or "8+" rating, this is fun for all ages!
i love this site! even 6 or 7. there is no bad things
on here
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Kid, 11 years old
July 28, 2010
AGE
Ignore the "7" or "8+" rating, this is fun for all ages!
i love this site! even 6 or 7. there is no bad things
on here
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Kid, 8 years old
November 5, 2010
AGE
Perfect for 6+
I love it!
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AGE
Great site! I'dlove it on the iPad.
Requires flash, so it doesn't work with iPad/iPhone, but works
Great from my computer. Great site!
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| Genre: | Creating |
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