Activity： Puppet making

Age Group​

Guides Section – 12-18 years old

Time needed​

30-45 minutes

Learning Goal​

Members learn the skills of making a puppet and make their own puppet by different materials.

Instructions​

1. Making a 2D Paper Puppet
   • Choose a figure and draw it directly on to card. If a circular shape would aid well to your project consider using paper plates.
   • Color it in to make the puppet bright and interesting.
   • Find a clear plastic straw and attach it to the back of the puppet to make a handle.
   • Add any decorations as you like.

2. Making a Sock Puppet

• Find an old sock. Choose colors that match your character's personality. If your sock is taking on an animal persona, use the color of the sock as the color of their body.
• Add the eyes, mouth or other decorations.
• Put the sock over your hand and arm.

3. Making a Finger Puppet
   • Trace your finger on a piece of paper. Leave 1/2" (1 cm or so) extra on all sides, stopping just below your second knuckle. This is the template for your finger puppet.
   • Cut out the template. You'll need two of your template (front and back) plus any extra bits. Wings for your butterfly? A nose for your elephant? A beak for your chicken? Ears for your rabbit? Get as intricately detailed as possible.
   • Sew on the additions.

4. Making a Paper Bag Puppet

• Get a paper bag. Glue the eyes, mouth, hair onto the bag.
• Use a black marker to draw the nose.

Reference: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Puppets

Which elements of the method are used, and how?​

☑ Learning in small groups – Members produce different parts of the puppets and then combine the semi-products together. They share the difficulties during the production process. They also suggest the tips of making puppets to each other.

☑ My path, my pace – Members learn the skills of making puppets. They also learn to use sewing and knotting skills to do the decoration and make a puppet with their own characteristics.

☑ Learning by doing – Members become more patient and detail-minded when making crafts. This improves their concentration on working as well. Members are encouraged to use their creativity and make use of different materials to make a puppet.

How does the method give youth members a chance to take the lead?

Which leadership mindsets do youth members practice in the activity?

Members who have Home Economics lessons before will have more knowledge on sewing, cutting, knotting. They teach other members the skills.

Leadership mindsets practiced in the activity:

• Creative & critical thinking mindset

• Collaborative mindset