The last time my parents visited my mom brought up a big zipper bag of brightly colored paper shapes. There were circles of various sizes, ovals, squares, rectangles, and triangles.
There were also several drinking straws in the bag and some ribbon scraps.
My daughter couldn’t wait to see what kids craft was in store that day. She quickly fell in love with the shape craft Grandma had planned: Shape Stick Puppets.
Shape Craft
Materials Needed:
- Colored Card Stock
- Scissors
- Glue Stick
- Clear Tape
- Craft Sticks (or drinking straws)
My mom had cut all the shapes out ahead of time for this craft. It allowed the kids to start crafting right away.
You might want to start out with a small amount of shapes pre-cut and then have your preschooler cut more shapes as needed. You can always draw the shapes for him/her to cut out.
As an alternative, you can buy pre-cut shapes. (This is an affiliate link; see my disclosure for more info.)
Shape Stick Puppets
This is an open-ended shape craft, allowing your child to use his/her imagination to the fullest.
Have them create animals, people, aliens…. Whatever creatures they want to make, using the shapes.
A large oval may become a body. A triangle could make a good head for a dog.
While your child crafts you can discuss the shapes they are using.
Once they have finished the character, use clear tape to attach it to a craft stick or plastic drinking straw and turn it into a stick puppet.
You can also add ribbon for hair and to make tails. (My daughter had lots of fun adding ribbon to her first puppet.)
Once your child has made several puppets, they will have lots of fun playing with their new characters.
Be ready for a puppet show!
This simple preschool shape craft is one you can do again and again.
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Rach says
You are always coming up with such creative ideas to keep your kiddos’ hands busy! ๐
OneMommy says
Keeping them busy on crafts means they aren’t busy getting into trouble! ๐
Kristen @ The Preppy Girl in Pink says
Even with my girls being 10 & 8 they still love to make stick puppets and put on plays. With their imaginations…the fun can be endless!
OneMommy says
Yes, I love watching them get old enough to actually put on a little story by themselves. I bet your girls are getting to the point they can even write out a script to practice! ๐
KAREN says
oh what a great idea, I love it and going to add it to my “to try” list. When I try it I will let you know and post about.
OneMommy says
My youngest had lots of fun doing the craft this past week — he used the shapes to make truck puppets and an alligator, which I had never thought of!
Can’t wait to see what your little guy does!
Deb says
Fabulous craft idea!!
Sounds like your mom is a teacher too?
OneMommy says
No, she never taught, but I think she would have liked to have taught preschool or something… She always wanted me to teach younger kids, but I went for junior high and high school.
Donna DM Yates says
Stick puppets are such fun and certainly bring out creativity.
OneMommy says
They do, and they are so easy and quick to make, too! You can have a whole group in no time to put on a show!