The quiet hum of Theresa Salazar’s classroom at Pauls Valley Junior High has been replaced by the clicking of cameras and the imaginative chatter of budding directors. Thanks to a recently awarded grant from the Pauls Valley Foundation for Academic Excellence titled, “Frame by Frame - Stories in Motion,” students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program are doing more than just learning a new language—they are building entire worlds.
The grant provided the class with two iPads and a suite of creative materials, allowing students to bridge the gap between written word and visual art. After drafting original short stories, the students transitioned into production mode, designing hand-crafted characters and building intricate sets for stop-motion animation.
Using the iPad to film their stories from start to finish has transformed the way these students see themselves. They aren't just practicing English; they are becoming creators, tech-savvy storytellers and confident communicators.
While the stop-motion projects are the current stars of the show, the impact of the grant will be felt for years to come. The equipment is already slated for use in upcoming classroom podcasts, where students will continue to sharpen their speaking skills and share their unique perspectives with a wider audience.
The pride in the classroom is palpable as students watch their characters move across the screen for the first time. By blending technology with traditional storytelling, this initiative is proving that creativity is a universal language.
