GifMill

LQ: 7.7

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Brain grade: 6.6
Fun score: 8.5

Platform/Console: , , LWK Recommended Age: 5+ Thinking Skills Used: ,

GifMill is a fun and simple way to create short animations in the GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) file format. These files are short, animated pictures that run repeatedly on a loop. The app allows users to quickly and easily create animations using existing photographs and videos in an iOS device, or by taking new photographs via the built-in camera. GifMill will automatically generate an animated file, which can then be shared via email, text message, or social networking websites. For a small fee, users can add the ability to insert text into their creations, allowing them to add descriptive or humorousness captions. The app also allows some limited editing, such as adding and removing frames from the video, changing the speed and quality of the video, or changing the video’s orientation. This app contains no inappropriate content, is very simple to operate, and is recommended for any user ages 5 and up.


THIS APP IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH:

Flexibility

Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations.

gifmillGifMill requires users to exercise some flexibility when creating new animations, as the short nature of the animations means limited amounts of space available to convey ideas and messages. To be able to include clear and concise visual information in a short span of time, users may need to make a number of edits in order to successfully achieve this goal. GifMill allows users to slow down, speed up, change the order to frames in their video, or remove segments altogether. Users can exercise their Flexibility skill when preparing, editing, and arranging their work in order to most successfully communicate a message, idea, emotion, or other statement through the limitations of the GIF file format.

Planning

Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals, improving shot-term planning.

Creating a new GIF animation requires a small amount of planning from the user. Whether preparing a shot for a short video, staging a series of photographs, or editing previously recorded media, users must begin their project with a concept and goal. The GIF file format is often used on the internet to communicate simple, effective, and often humorous facial expressions, reactions, or other emotions in the place of words. In order for users to properly communicate the desired message, a small amount of Planning goes a long way. Users should be prepared with an joke or idea in mind, and have a concept of what the final product will look and feel like, and create a series of steps designed to most efficiently and effectively achieve this goal.

GifMill is a fun and creative way to help your child communicate thoughts and emotions in a digital format. Your child can also use this app to help with practicing the Flexibility and Planning thinking skills. Try some of our suggested activities below, or leave us a comment detailing how you made this app work for you in the comment field at the bottom of the page.

Flexibility Activity

gifmill optionsPick a theme or joke to express through GIF animation (like a captured facial expression or goofy reaction). Once decided, have your child create three separate GIF animation expressing the singular theme, and make sure your child tries utilizing all of GifMill's editing features. For example, the app allows users to speed up, slow down, or remove frames in a video. Work with your child to remove unnecessary frames in a video, or change its pace. Change the orientation of a video shot vertically to a landscape video. Helping your child decide how best to use the different customization tools and options helps your child understand the available options for achieving their creative goal.

Planning Activity

Work with your child to develop a goal for a new animation to be shared with a friend or family member. Your child should develop a concept about what the new animation will convey or communicate, or what the subject matter will be (i.e. a clamation,pet or family member). Encourage your child to think about the necessary steps to achieving the desired animation, listing off important factors. Plan a specific setting, what type of props might be needed, or what the subject of the video should be working to communicate through facial expressions and body language. Communicate the benefits of working toward a goal using the Planning thinking skill, explaining how the working process becomes more efficient, easy, and often more enjoyable when there are clear steps designed to work toward achieving a specific end product.

GifMill is a simple and easy-to-use GIF animation generator for iOS devices. Try some of these alternatives for creating and sharing photos and videos on mobile devices and let us know which app works best for you in the comment field at the bottom of the page. 

InstagramInstagram

Instagram allows users to take photographs, apply filters and other fun effects, and send or share them with friends and family using a number of message and social networking options. Users can also add captions to their photographs as an added feature. Learn more in our Instagram review.

 

Cinemagram

Cinemagram

Cinemagram works similarly to Instagram but allows users to save, stylize, and share short videos with their friends and family via a number of messaging and social networking options. Find out more in our Cinemagram review.

GameYourVideo

Game Your Video

Game Your Video is a powerful and versatile app for shooting short videos and films. Users can add a number of sound and visual effects, implement limited editing techniques, and share their creations with friends and family via Youtube. See our Game Your Video review for details.

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