Character Puppets

Creating and using puppets inspired by Clumsy & Friends characters

Overview

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.

Art & Drama 30-45 minutes Ages 3-8

Learning Objectives

Materials Needed

Basic Materials:

Paper bags or socks
Construction paper
Scissors (child-safe)
Glue sticks
Markers or crayons
Character templates (provided)

Optional Materials:

Yarn (for hair)
Googly eyes
Felt pieces
Popsicle sticks
Fabric scraps
Buttons
Pipe cleaners

Puppet Types

Choose one or more puppet styles based on your classroom resources and students' ages:

Paper Bag Puppets

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.

Sock Puppets

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.

Stick Puppets

Best for: Ages 3-6

Materials: Cardstock, popsicle sticks

Technique: Draw and color character on cardstock, cut out, and glue to a popsicle stick.

Finger Puppets

Best for: Ages 3-5

Materials: Felt or paper strips

Technique: Create small tubes that fit on fingers, decorate with simple features.

Preparation

  1. Read a Clumsy & Friends story and discuss the main characters' appearances and personalities
  2. Prepare material stations around the classroom
  3. Print character templates (provided at the end of this resource)
  4. Create a sample puppet to demonstrate the process
  5. Set up a puppet theater area (optional: use a table turned on its side or a large cardboard box)
Teacher Tip: For younger students (3-4), pre-cut basic shapes and facial features to help them focus on assembly rather than cutting.

Activity Instructions

Part 1: Creating the Puppets (20-30 minutes)

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.

Paper Bag Puppet Instructions:

  1. Position the paper bag so the flap bottom is facing up (this will be the face)
  2. Draw or glue on eyes, nose, and other facial features
  3. Add hair using yarn, construction paper, or markers
  4. Decorate the body (main part of the bag) with clothing and accessories
  5. Let dry completely before using

Sock Puppet Instructions:

  1. Place the sock on your hand with the heel forming the mouth area
  2. Glue on googly eyes or create eyes from construction paper
  3. Add yarn for hair, felt pieces for ears or other features
  4. Use fabric scraps or construction paper for clothing
  5. Allow puppet to dry completely before handling

Part 2: Using the Puppets (15-20 minutes)

Option 1: Retelling the Story

Have students use their puppets to retell the Clumsy & Friends story you read earlier:

Option 2: New Adventures

Encourage students to create new adventures for their characters:

Option 3: Character Interviews

Conduct "interviews" with the character puppets:

Teacher Tip: For shy students, let them perform behind a puppet theater. This often helps children who are reluctant to speak in front of the class feel more comfortable when they can "hide" behind their puppet.

Character Examples

Here are key features to include for popular Clumsy & Friends characters:

Clumsy Gugglebum
  • Bright blue hair
  • Big friendly smile
  • Colorful clothes
  • Often has bandages or patches
  • Big expressive eyes
Minnie Tickledust
  • Jester hat with bells
  • Sparkly cheeks
  • Bright colorful outfit
  • Feather or tickle wand
  • Big grin
Yawnzarella
  • Sleepy eyes
  • Nightcap or star headband
  • Pajama-like clothes
  • Crescent moon symbol
  • Small clock accessory
The Skellies
  • Weather symbols
  • Cloud-shaped bodies
  • Raindrops or sun rays
  • Different colored eyes
  • Small umbrellas

Extensions and Variations

For Younger Students (Ages 3-4)

For Older Students (Ages 6-8)

Cross-Curricular Connections

Assessment Opportunities

Through this activity, you can observe and assess:

Character Templates

Print and cut out these templates to help students create their puppets:

Basic Puppet Elements

These simple shapes can be used for any character:

Eyes
(various sizes)
Noses
(triangle, circle)
Mouths
(smiles, open)
Hair
(wavy, straight)
Arms
(bendable)
Clothing
(shirts, hats)
Accessories
(stars, hearts)
Expression
(eyebrows)

Note: For detailed character templates, print the separate template pages or visit our website.

Puppet Show Ideas

Mini-Scripts

Here are some simple scripts students can use or adapt:

Clumsy's Big Surprise

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!

Performance Tips