Waldof: Table Puppets

Waldorf table puppets have to be one of the most powerful things I have ever taken into my teaching practice.  They are simple standing puppets.  People make them in a variety of ways and materials.

 This table puppet is a part of a late spring Nature Table.  She is made of wool felt.

 This table puppet is made of roving and sits as a little scene in a kindergarten.

 Here are two table puppets made by a sweet teacher in my Waldorf training.  It is Grandfather and Granddaughter.

 Carol would tell the story of Grandfather and Granddaughter.  It was an ongoing story.

 Here is a simple knitted table puppet.

Here is another wool felt puppet.

Waldorf: Marionettes

There is nothing so magical as the art of the marionette - Waldorf style!  These etheric creatures are made of hand dyed silks and lovingly sewn into special characters.  For the newbie to Waldorf education - the lack of facial features can seem odd.   But wait and watch the imagination of the child and the co-creation that emerges within the child.  

These little puppet plays are very simple and the children see the adults moving the strings.  The children do not need the fancy, high tech tricks to be carried away.  In fact, children need the simple, natural goodness.

 A group of marionettes in practice for a little puppet show.  

 A large puppet stage getting readied for practice.  (Colorado)

 Marionettes in waiting.  These are for large community productions so they have simple facial features.  (New York)

 Marionettes hanging for children's use in play.  (Switzerland)

 The Virgin Mary.  So lovely.  (New York)

 A few of Suzanne Down's marionettes - such works of art.

 The puppet stage has been covered with a silk - marionettes hidden until the story begins.

There is such a respect and honor to the presenting of a play.  It is an inner quieting as the teachers begin to lift the silk to reveal the story.  There is a special, mysterious quality to covering the stage or table so the children do not see the puppets.  It is amazing.  Many children will gasp with delight when the veil is lifted.

Here we see the silk has been lifted and the story is being told.  

5 Great "Where the Wild Things Are" Ideas

Who doesn't just love "Where the Wild Things Are"? This is a wonderful book to bring a good dose of art. Just watch the story come alive in your classroom. . .

IDEA #1:  Wild Things Cardboard Tube Puppets

For more information go to: Funderberg 

IDEA #2:  Have a Wild Rumpus! Make Costumes!

This is such a fun thing to do!  I did only once but wow! It was the best to have 24 kids going for the wild rumpus!  (Okay - so it is an insane idea but fun. . .). 

For directions go to: Red Ted Art

 IDEA #3:  Wild Thing Paper Plate Mask

This is so cute!  Another choice for making costumes for that rumpus!

You could use construction paper instead of yarn as well.

For directions:  Spins and Needles

IDEA #4:  Brown Bag Puppets

This to adorable!  Designed by Underneath Photos

IDEA #5:  Wild Things Guided Drawing/Watercolor

I believe guided drawings are one of the most important parts of my kinder day.  There is so much gained in this little activity!  This is adorable!

For directions go to: Elementary Artist

IDEA #6:  Printable Wild Things to make 3-D Picture (okay so much for 5 ideas!!)

Directions at: Story Time Crafts

A few extra bits of inspiration:

From Esty: 

For more ideas: check Crafty Crow's fantastic list of ideas HERE

5 Great Puppets to Make

 

PUPPET #1:  Paper/Cloth Rod Puppets

 These are wonderful for retelling fairy tales. 

For more details go to:  We Bloom Here

PUPPET #2:  Popsicle Paper Puppets

This is one of my favorite ways to make puppets - let the children draw them!  They always turn out so adorable and the children are so proud!

For more details go to:  Mrs. Brown's Art Class

PUPPET #3:  Peepers!

Peepers are too much fun and super simple to make a bunch!  I like to buy knit gloves at the Dollar Store to wear with the peepers.  You can make hair and all sorts of things.  

For basic instructions go to: Fave Crafts

PUPPET #4: Good Ole Sock Puppet

Some years, I have every child in the class design and make their own sock puppet.  It is such hit!  And then, there is making your own to go with favorite storybooks.  The potential is endless!

For how to make this swell guy go to:  Craft Jr.

PUPPET #5:  The Envelope Puppet

There are many variations on this method - and all are so dang easy peasy!  And super inexpensive!

For directions on this sweet puppy go to:  Twiggle Magazine

Watch for deals on my online Puppetry Class - starts in October!

A Simple Puppet Show

This is such a simple process that produces the most endearing results!   I had each color family (groups of four children) write their own story.

1.  The first round I let each group write and collaborate on their own a story.   Each group picked someone to record their story.  My rule was that each child could pick a character to have in the story - this prevented most upsets!

2.  Next I met with each group to hear what they had written and to add any last details.  Most stories were good to go!  They were typically 3 to 4 sentences long.

The important part of this process is to honor what the children created.  It is important not to impose too much of our own "sense of story" on the children.  Their delight is found in what they created.  I feel it is critical to let it be what it is.

3.  I gave each child white card stock to draw and create their paper puppets.   Here I did insist on large scale drawings.  If a drawing was too small - I requested the child redraw it on a larger scale.  They colored their puppets with crayons. Each child drew and cut out their own puppets.

4.  Finally, I taped each puppet to a dowel rod.

The puppet stage was made from a refrigerator box folded to make a tent-shape.  I stapled on bulletin board paper and let the children paint grass.

I read their stories as they acted them out with their little puppets.  It is a fun process and so easy. 

Ninjas in hot lava saving a princess!

It's a party!

Everyone had a snack!

The Power of Table Puppets and Retelling a Story!

This is pure educational magic.  Pure gold!  Give it a try if you have not.  It is very simple to do.  I have made basic table puppets for the children to use but you could use dollhouse dolls and brown bear figurines.  The children just need something to "pretend" the character with.  They are not picky!

Here's the deal:  set up a small stage with all sequences of a traditional fairy tale like the Three Bears (three dollhouse chairs, three dollhouse beds, and a dollhouse table with three bowls.)  Be creative.  I think it is so healthy to show children how to use things like blocks and boxes in setting up a little puppet show. 

I always do the first two puppet shows to demonstrate how to do it and to teach the children how to be a good audience.  Then I start calling the children up to put on a "puppet show" for us.   It will bring you to tears!  They do such an amazing job!

IMPORTANT:  Remember I tell a main story in my class for two weeks.  The children hear me tell the story of the Three Bears orally, in puppet shows --- I read every version of the book I could find including extended and altered stories.

Educational Benefit:  The student demonstrates an understanding of story structure - the beginning, the middle and the end;  the sequence of events and dialogue; and sometimes, the capacity to extend and expand upon the story.

Here is a retelling from one of my students:

Make a File Folder Puppet Theater!

One day I had an inspiration while making a "mini-office."  I realized the file folders would make a perfect puppet theater!

What you will need:  2 file folders per puppet theater, scrapbook paper, tape, glue sticks.

I used two special types of file folders.  The first is a pre-printed folder and the second is a file folder with a built in pocket (did not know they made these until recently!).  Regular file folders work beautifully as well!

Step One:  I used a 5 x 7 index card to trace a window on each file folder. I set them side by side to be sure they are lined up.

Step Two:  Cut out the two windows.

Step Three:  Tape the two file folders together.  Tape the front edges and back edges.

Step Four:  To make paper curtains I placed the scrapbook paper on top of the file folder where the window is - and drew a curtain.  I folded it so I could cut two.

Step Five:  I glued the paper curtains down.  I cut a curtain for the top and under the window as well.

What I love about the file folders with pockets is that it has place to store the paper puppets!

You can also make a pocket with the leftover piece of file folder from making the window. 

 I cut a square and taped it to the back.

It will fold up and lay down flat for easy storage!  You can make the window large or small based on how much overlap you have between the two folders.  

TIP:  Laminate for extra durability!