Article Directory

Puppets can mean many things to preschool children. Puppet play can lead to increased self expression and creativity. It can instill a love of dramatics, encourage speech from otherwise reluctant orators and greatly improve communication between teachers and children. Home made puppets are best especially when children can assist in their creation. Generally, puppets fall into four different categories.

Hand puppets - A hand puppet is simply a piece of fabric with a hole for each arm and one for the head or just use a three fingered glove. The head can be made from a small ball or piece of foam and a pattern can be obtained by tracing a child's hand. Hair and a face can be stitched on drawn on the fabric encasing the ball and remember to cut a hole in the ball to accommodate the fingers. One puppet can be multiple personae using detachable features and it is your choice what fabric style you use for the body.

Stick puppets - A piece of wood with a head stuck on top constitutes a stick puppet. A wooden ball will work for the head with painted or detachable features. A swathe of fabric becomes a cloak (with holes either side for fingers to become arms). If you are in need of a quick fix stick puppet simply use a wooden spoon, envelope in a dramatic cloak and hey presto!

Animal puppets - Attaching obvious animal features to an old sock is an easy way to make animal puppets so, whiskers and beady eyes makes something rodent like, felt ears and a trunk generally denotes an elephant (let your imagination run wild!). Cut the head off old vinyl toys or remove the stuffing from a beat up stuffed animal and hey presto - recycled animal puppets.

Finger puppets - Stretchy fabric covering a small bead or piece of foam will suffice for these puppets. A pipe cleaner running through the sleeves serve as arms under a cape style tunic. The fabric of the head should be securely stitched to the cape. Elaborate accessories and tiny features combine to make finger puppets very detailed and special in their small way.

Use an arch on top of a table or the window of a play house, complete with curtains, as a theatre or stage upon which your puppet ensemble can strut its stuff. Now let loose your little puppeteers.