What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
Puppetmaking is a fun art form that incorporates mixed media art materials, dramatic and imaginative play, and literacy connections. Puppets can be inspired by stories or personal experiences. In this class we will create different types of puppets such as stick puppets, paper bag puppets, and finger puppets. We will use simple materials to create fun and thematic puppets. During each class we will explore a different theme such as: self, animals/insects, fairytales, feelings, or imaginary worlds. The structure of the class is as follows: 5 minutes to check in and review materials, 10 minutes for presentation, 25 minutes to construct puppets, 5 minutes to share and conclude. Instructions may be given prior to creating or in a step-by-step format. The sequence of lessons/materials is as follows: Day 1) Paper bag puppets- Feathers or Fur? (brown paper bags, construction paper, glue, scissors, something to color with) Day 2) Finger Puppets- Insects (construction paper or cardstock, markers, scissors, glue, pipe cleaners) Day 3) Envelope Puppets- Exploring different Feelings (envelopes, construction paper, markers, scissors, glue) Day 4) Stick Puppets with Pop-up backdrop (paper or construction paper, scissors, glue, coloring materials, paper plate, popsicle stick or chopsticks) Students will conclude each class by sharing their puppet if they choose to. Students will be provided with a question or a prompt to encourage dramatic interaction with their puppets.
Learning Goals
The students will construct 4 puppets utilizing a variety of materials.
The students will construct puppets based on a character, animal, or emotion.
Other Details
Supply List
white drawing paper construction paper pencil markers or crayons scissors glue popsicle sticks paper plate paper bag envelope optional decorative materials such as feathers, pom poms, pipe cleaners
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
My name is Molly Cranch and I am an arts educator, fine artist and children's book author-illustrator. I have taught art in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, international schools, and museums and art centers. My educational background includes a BFA in painting from Washington University and a certificate in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as certifications in children's yoga. I have taught at the elementary and middle school level and I have a lot of experience working with dual language, ESL, diverse learners, and early childhood students. I have a lot of experience working specifically with children with dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism.
My teaching philosophy is inclusive and creative. I believe that the arts are essential to a child's development and growth, and that every child has the ability to learn. I think is important to teach students skills and the foundations of visual art, but to leave room for inquiry and creative interpretation. I have a passion for arts integration, which is a collaborative approach to curriculum development. Over the years I have worked with many other teachers to develop curriculum integrating the arts with other subject areas such as STEM, language arts and social-emotional learning.
In addition to teaching, I am a professional artist. My paintings have been exhibited in galleries all across the United States! I also have my first children's book coming out in 2024.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, cooking and practicing yoga. I am a mom and I love spending time with my family. Together, we take trips and explore all the wonders of the city we live in.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-9
3-6 learners per class