Making a puppet

Before starting the activity, the students will talk about how the puppets and joints work but also about their role. The history of puppets dates back to ancient Greece; they are traditionally used to tell stories in the form of plays. Punchinelle, a character from the Commedia dell'arte (15th century), is also one of the most famous puppets (burattini theater).

Session 1: Identifying the various joints of the body Using a drawn silhouette, the students will place and identify the main joints of the human body. The teacher can suggest group work and provide each group with an articulated puppet mounted on an iron rod.

Session 2: Creation of the puppet, cutting out the pieces The teacher will suggest several models of puppets (articulated with brads). The youngest students will cut out the various pieces of the puppet on a photocopied sheet; others will be able to use templates and older children will be able to make the various parts themselves by examining the models offered.

Session 3: Creation of the puppet, installation of brads and wires The students will assemble their puppet using brads. Older children will add wires to connect the joints.

Session 4: Handling the puppets The students will then handle their puppet. Why not suggest that small groups imagine skits with the puppets and then stage them in front of the students in the class or in front of the students in neighboring classes. Don't forget! The child puppeteers must be hidden to create the illusion that the puppets are living and moving on their own.

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