Creating and using puppets inspired by Clumsy & Friends characters
This hands-on art and drama activity engages students in creating simple puppets based on Clumsy & Friends characters. These puppets become tools for storytelling, role-playing, and creative expression that reinforce literacy skills while developing fine motor coordination and imagination.
Choose one or more puppet styles based on your classroom resources and students' ages:
Best for: Ages 4-8
Materials: Small paper lunch bags
Technique: Decorate the bottom flap of the bag as the puppet's face with the opening at the bottom. The body is drawn on the bag itself.
Best for: Ages 5-8
Materials: Clean socks (preferably light colors)
Technique: Place sock on hand, with the heel forming the mouth area. Add eyes, hair, and accessories with glue.
Best for: Ages 3-6
Materials: Cardstock, popsicle sticks
Technique: Draw and color character on cardstock, cut out, and glue to a popsicle stick.
Best for: Ages 3-5
Materials: Felt or paper strips
Technique: Create small tubes that fit on fingers, decorate with simple features.
1 Introduce the Activity
Show your example puppet and explain that students will create their own Clumsy & Friends character puppets for storytelling.
2 Review Characters
Briefly review the main characters from the story, discussing their key features, colors, and personality traits.
3 Demonstrate
Show students how to create their chosen puppet style, emphasizing key steps and techniques.
4 Create
Allow students to select materials and create their puppets. Circulate to provide assistance and encouragement.
5 Personalize
Encourage students to add unique details to their puppets that reflect the character's personality.
6 Name Tags
Have students create small name tags for their puppets to avoid confusion during sharing.
Have students use their puppets to retell the Clumsy & Friends story you read earlier:
Encourage students to create new adventures for their characters:
Conduct "interviews" with the character puppets:
Here are key features to include for popular Clumsy & Friends characters:
Through this activity, you can observe and assess:
Print and cut out these templates to help students create their puppets:
These simple shapes can be used for any character:
Note: For detailed character templates, print the separate template pages or visit our website.
Here are some simple scripts students can use or adapt:
Clumsy: Oh no! Today is Minnie's birthday and I forgot to get a present!
Yawnzarella: *yawns* Don't worry, we can make something special.
Clumsy: But what? The party starts in one hour!
The Skellies: We could create a rainbow for her! We know how to make weather magic!
Clumsy: That's perfect! Minnie loves colorful things!
All: Let's work together to make the best birthday surprise ever!