Many of the activities on these pages may require adult supervision.
Be sure to tell a grown-up about what you're planning and ask for permission before getting started.

1. Stick Puppets

Take a stick, a dowel, or piece of broomstick about 8 inches long and jam it into a Styrofoam ball. Using pins with large heads, stick pieces of fabric and paper onto the Styrofoam to make a face. Use wire, pipe cleaners, or twist ties to make hair. Wrap paper or cloth around the stick and tape or pin the wrapping in place.

2. Sock Puppets

Sew pieces of yarn and cloth onto the toe of an old sock to make it into a face. Put your hand inside and make the face talk. If you like, cut little holes on the sides of the sock for your thumb and middle finger. If you do this, stuff the head with a little paper to give it shape.

3. Paper-cup Puppets

Poke a hole in the side of a paper cup and stick your index finger through. That will be the nose. Draw eyes above the hole and a mouth below. Paste or tape on strips of paper for hair. Put your finger back through the hole and make the puppet move. Your thumb and middle finger are the puppet's feet or arms.

How to Make a Puppet Theater

For this you need a giant cardboard box, the kind used to pack refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. If you don't have one, go to an appliance dealer and see if a clerk will give you one.

First draw, then cut a back door to get into the box. To cut corrugated cardboard, use a serrated knife or a keyhole saw. The keyhole saw is easier to use. Be careful to hold the box in such a way that if your hand slips you do not cut yourself. If you feel uneasy, ask a grown-up to cut the door for you.

Once inside, kneel down and hold a puppet over your head. Poke a hole through the front of the box to mark where the bottom line for the puppet stage should be. Then go outside and draw the puppet stage. Cut it out too, with help if you need it. Paint the stage and print PUPPET SHOW over the opening.

Set your theater up in a corner of a room where you won't have to move it all the time. Remember, it's only made of cardboard.

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