Making Puppets
Creative crafts (Hamlyn) Series
What’s inside...
This colourful activity book is packed with ideas on how children can make all sorts of puppets using everyday materials that can be found around the house or bought cheaply. The projects include step-by-step instructions to make finger puppets, pom-pom and pipe-cleaner puppets, papier mache and spoon puppets. Explanations are included for working the puppets, and for putting on a puppet show with props and special effects.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of puppet would you like to create and why?
How do you think the puppets feel when they are being controlled by someone else?
Can you think of a story you would like to tell using your puppet?
What materials would you use to make your puppet and how would you decorate it?
How can puppets help us understand or express our feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the personality and backstory of their puppet, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
Discuss the variety of puppets shown in the book and explore together which type your child is most interested in creating.
Use open-ended questions to prompt your child to think critically about the role of different characters and materials in puppet making.
Relate puppet-making to life lessons, like teamwork and perseverance, enhancing the depth of the reading experience.
Post-reading, collaborate on creating a simple puppet together to turn theory into hands-on practice, solidifying their learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: In 'Making Puppets,' children learn to design and create unique puppet characters. This process encourages them to use their imagination and think creatively.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop their ability to generate original ideas and solutions, not just in arts and crafts, but in everyday problem-solving situations.
Example Lesson: Following Instructions
Explanation: The book provides step-by-step instructions on puppet-making. Children learn the importance of following directions to achieve a desired outcome.
Real-World Application: This skill is essential in academic settings, when carrying out tasks or during team activities, fostering discipline and attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Puppet-making can be a collaborative activity. The book encourages working together with peers or family members, sharing ideas, and respecting others’ contributions.
Real-World Application: This promotes social skills and the importance of collaborative efforts in school projects, family tasks, and later, workplace environments.
Example Lesson: Patience and Persistence
Explanation: The craft of puppet-making requires patience as some steps might be intricate and time-consuming. Children learn the value of persistence to see a project through to the end.
Real-World Application: These attributes are critical in all areas of life, helping children to tackle challenges, studies, and personal goals without giving up.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art and Culture
Explanation: Through the diverse styles of puppets introduced in the book, children gain exposure to various art forms and cultural histories associated with puppetry.
Real-World Application: This fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and arts, encouraging open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity from a young age.