Create a Puppet Theatre and Stick Puppets

This project can be made by a child (5+), an adult or both together. There are very few children who do not love puppets, particularly younger children. Creating this simple puppet theatre and using stick puppets to act out skits and scenes can provide an enriching source of entertainment and quality time. Once the theatre and puppets are complete, it is almost as easy as turning on the television, but the theatre will give them lasting memories and give you control over their learning that the "idiot box" will never be able to provide. New puppets take only minutes but expand the possibilities of this theatre even more every time you add one.

Materials Cardboard box

1 yard of fabric - an old sheet is fine

Scissors

Construction paper

School glue

Popsicle/craft sticks or bamboo skewers

Strapping tape

String

LED tea light (optional)

Theatre Start by cutting out a rectangle from the top half of one side of the cardboard box, leaving about a ''½ inch border on the top and both sides. This will be the opening through which the child will view the plays. Cut 2 identical pieces of fabric large enough so that each covers the rectangle all the way down and halfway across. Glue in place across the top front of the box. Cut a piece of string for each side long enough to reach the back of the box. Glue one end to the inside corner of each piece of fabric. Make notches on either side of the back of the box to tuck the strings into when the curtains open. Cut a piece of fabric large enough to cover the remainder of the box front and 1-2 feet below the edge of the box. Glue the tea light to the inside of the ceiling of the box, or cut squares out of the top of the box for lighting inside.

Puppets These can be as simple as basic shapes with googly eyes and faces drawn on them or as complex as your child's favorite cartoon characters. Simply cover the construction paper with strapping tape to laminate it, cut the necessary shapes from the paper and glue them to the top half of the craft sticks.

Staging Use the strapping tape to affix the box to the back of a dining room chair, so that the stage is over the seat. You will sit on the seat while you put on the play. You can make up a story or just wing it. Insert the puppets into the bottom of the box and move them around as you talk in different voices.

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