◷ 25 minutes◎ Ages 8–13✦ Animation
Quick start

A storyboard is a sequence of pictures that plans what a viewer will see. Begin with a goal, show a problem, and finish with an action.

Finished example for Storyboard a tiny three-scene story
Inspiration image: one possible finished result. Your artwork should be your own.
Your creative mission

What you will learn

A storyboard plans what a viewer sees before production begins.

Skills: Story sequence, planning and visual communication

Jump to picture steps ↓

What you’ll need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Ruler (optional)

Get ready: Draw three empty boxes and model a beginning, middle and end.

Six-frame visual journey for Storyboard a tiny three-scene story, ending in a colourful creative variation
Visual journey: use the numbered guide below for complete instructions. The final inspiration image is one imaginative variation, not a required result.
Follow along

Make it, one picture at a time.

Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.

  1. Stage 1 of 5: Divide one sheet into three large boxes.
    STEP 01

    Divide one sheet into three large boxes.

  2. Stage 2 of 5: In the first box, draw a character with a clear goal, such as reaching a star.
    STEP 02

    In the first box, draw a character with a clear goal, such as reaching a star.

  3. Stage 3 of 5: In the second box, show one obstacle: a puddle, a tall wall or a missing bridge.
    STEP 03

    In the second box, show one obstacle: a puddle, a tall wall or a missing bridge.

  4. Stage 4 of 5: In the final box, draw what the character tries next and how the story ends.
    STEP 04

    In the final box, draw what the character tries next and how the story ends.

  5. Stage 5 of 5: Below each box, write one short sentence explaining what happens.
    STEP 05

    Below each box, write one short sentence explaining what happens.

Make it your own

Keep the story to one main character and one problem. A simple story is easier to animate later.

Talk about it: Can someone tell your story without reading the sentences?

Help a young artist learn

These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.

For parents and carers — teach together

Start together

Draw three empty boxes and model a beginning, middle and end.

During the activity

Ask what the character wants before discussing the ending.

Afterwards

Ask: Can someone tell your story without reading the sentences?

For teachers — classroom adaptation

Learning focus

Story sequence, planning and visual communication

Demonstrate and guide

Let small groups tell the same story using different panels.

Observe, do not grade the artwork

Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.

Make it easier or take it further

Make it easier

Use stick figures and arrows.

Extra challenge

Add camera labels such as close-up and wide shot.

Keep creating

Make a bouncing-ball flipbook animation

Animate a bouncing ball on paper, one little drawing at a time.

Create a funny three-panel comic

Practice visual storytelling with a beginning, a surprise and an ending.

Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.