You can make small puppets using printed pictures and popsicle sticks. This is a very simple craft project that children as young as 2 years old can complete with a little help. The puppets can be used to tell stories, put on a puppet show or just engage in a little imaginative play.
Instructions
1. Print out line drawings of animals or people that your child enjoys. There are many pictures available for this purpose on the Internet. Pictures of about 3-inches high by 2-inches wide work best for this purpose.
2. Have your child color the pictures with crayons. This is a good time to talk about the people or animals in the picture, and what your child imagines they would say if they could talk (see Resources below).
3. Cut the pictures out, leaving about an inch margin around each picture. The margin will make it easier to glue the pictures onto the construction paper backing.
4. Using a thin layer of glue spread evenly, glue the pictures onto the construction paper. Depending on the number and size of pictures, this may take multiple sheets of construction paper. Allow the glue to completely dry before continuing.
5. Cut the pictures out with their construction paper backing. This time, cut along the edges rather than leaving a margin.
6. Turn one of the pictures over so that the construction paper is facing out. Be sure that the picture is oriented correctly from top to bottom.
7. Spread a thin layer of glue over the top inch of one side of a popsicle stick. Press the glue-covered part of the popsicle stick firmly against the bottom inch of the construction paper backing.
8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 for each of the puppets you are making. Allow the puppets to dry for about 15 minutes before using.
