Flash Animation: Community

Caterpillar Connection

            Continuing with my big idea of community, I created a flash animation that focuses on the connections that create communities. Connections are made when people relate and work together for a common cause, not by being the same. Discussing the value of connections with students may help the classroom to become a better community. By using bright colors, silly looking caterpillars, and simple expressions, Caterpillar Connection was meant to portray the big idea to even the youngest of students.

            The story follows the activities of caterpillars inching along and interacting with others. At first, however, these interactions are only between caterpillars that look the same. When the yellow caterpillar cannot find a similar friend, the viewer questions how valid the social constructs are. This idea can relate to social struggles with discrimination, segregation of visual characteristics, or lack of empathy between people. Often, these structures are accepted by society and it causes individuals to feel ostracized. The yellow worm leads the students to empathize and think about how their actions may affect the feelings of others.

            Fortunately, two caterpillars with mustaches to come and break the social norm. By sharing his mustache, the caterpillars look more similar. This symbolizes the use of empathy, which can reveal hidden commonalities between people. Once these caterpillars make a connection, they are transformed into butterflies of unique colors and designs. Now that they no longer match each other, differences are no longer a factor in their interactions. The mustached caterpillars model what students should do in a situation where someone else is disconnected from a group.

            As the butterflies fly away, other caterpillars take notice. They begin to make new connections as well, which symbolizes the spreading of community through many different connections. They too become butterflies and join the rest up in the air. This  shows students that others will notice their actions that break the norm, causing a chain reaction of positive actions. 

In a community, a person can become greater than what they would be as an individual. When the caterpillars find other similarities between each other, they become butterflies that are even more beautiful. The big idea of community is important to teach young students as they develop relationships among each other. Social structures that are built in the classroom are later used as a structure for other relationships. Therefore this video can encourage young students to be inclusive.

            Basically, this animation illustrates the importance of acceptance and empathy in order to create a connection with others. Practicing these values is essential for relational success, as well as a healthy sense of self. People were created to live in community, and this animation reminds the viewer to live with a little more love. As a result, the connections made by love will improve the student’s success in all aspects of life.