Puppet Show Theater at Home

Old socks or paper bags (one per character)

Googly eyes, yarn, felt scraps, and markers for decorating

Glue (white glue or glue stick)

A blanket and two chairs to create a stage

Paper and pencil for the script

Choose your puppet base — socks work great because your hand makes the mouth move. Paper bags fold into a natural puppet jaw.

Decorate each puppet with a face, hair (yarn), clothes (felt), and any props that fit the character. Make at least two so there is someone to talk to.

While glue dries, plan the story. Every good puppet show needs a problem: maybe one puppet loses something, or two friends disagree. Keep it short — 2-3 minutes is plenty.

Write the script together. For early writers, you write while they dictate. For confident writers, let them draft it themselves.

Set up the stage by draping a blanket between two chair backs. Your child crouches behind and holds puppets above the edge.

Rehearse once. Focus on loud, clear voices and keeping puppets visible.

Perform for the family. Applause required.

After the show, talk about the story: what happened, how did the characters feel, what might happen next?

Save the puppets for future performances or add new characters over time.

If your child is shy about performing, do the first show together — you control one puppet and they control the other. Shared performance builds confidence.

Suggest simple conflicts: lost treasure, a surprise birthday party, two animals who want the same snack. Simple problems make for clear stories.

Encourage different voices for each character. It does not need to be perfect — silly voices are even better.

Keep the stage low enough that your child can comfortably hold puppets up without tiring their arms quickly.

Record the show on a phone so your child can watch it back. Seeing themselves perform is a huge confidence boost and helps them improve for next time.