“Animation as part of media studies in Estonian schools” is a collaboration project of the Tiger Leap Foundation, non-profit association Puppet Film Children Studio (Nukufilmi Lastestuudio) and Kinobuss. The project comprises trainings to the teachers of the Estonian schools of general education, introducing the essence of animation and its modern application possibilities.

During the course teachers produce educational materials concerning film art, provided at the national primary and gymnasium school curriculum annexes. The teachers acquire necessary methods and skills.

8–hrs basic training does not require foreknowledge of animation, teachers who have passed the training course can apply for advanced trainings. Basic level learners are introduced the principles of animation that enable teachers enrich their subject classes accordingly to the topic. Every participating teacher produces a short animation film – during the process the teacher has achieved practical experience of animation making and software use. The teachers are also given a closer introduction to freeware digital pencil test animation program Monkey Jam.

Upon request animation film workshops are organized to students from the participating schools under the supervision of Puppet Film Children Studio and Kinobuss, where the animation principles are opened on the basis of optical toy examples. Together with their teachers students can test creation of movement illusion in practice. Teachers can practice obtained skills forwarding at the subject classes.

Teachers who have passed the basic level training can participate in the 8 hrs advanced training with a more detailed approach to animation. The focus of this course is on differences of animated cartoon, pixilation techniques, panorama etc. In addition to obtained know-how they analyze experienced knowledge, the trainers can consult teachers if necessary.