On Demand Puppet Workshops
Our on-demand puppet workshops provide Classroom Teachers, Parents and Program Leaders, in all settings, with accessible and creative guides for leading a fun, engaging learning opportunity.
Excellent resources. Curriculum linked. Affordable. Easy access.
Email us to purchase with credit card/e-transfer
Playing With Shadows Course
($39.99 CAD, downloadable links)
The Playing With Shadows Course is a great learning resource for teachers and homeschool parents. It is also fun for individuals, young and old, who want to learn more and create their own shadow puppets.
The course is comprised of 4 downloadable PDF instruction documents:
- Explore Create Play Teach Binder includes:
- Welcome
- Prep
- Explore
- Create
- Play
- Scenery
- Teach
- Curriculum Connections Binder
- History of Shadow Puppets Binder
- Student Handouts Binder includes:
- Self Assessment page
- Checklist of “I can” statements
- Peer Assessment Rubric
- Bravo Puppet project
Videos showing shadow puppet productions done in WP Puppet Theatre workshops can be accessed via our YouTube channel, and include:
-
- Ideas for Lighting for Shadow Puppets
- Shadow Makers at Maker Faire 2014
- Pegasus
- The Banana Dispute
- Different and the Same
- Pop Up Studio – Sunshine Shadow Puppets
- Pop Up Studio – Shadow Puppets in February
- Shadowy Puppets – An Underwater Exploration
- Puppet Pop Up Deep in the Sea
- Thoughtful Sayings
Teachers: The course explores the topic of Light and Shadows in the Alberta Education Program of Study for Grade 4 Science. Knowledge gained in the course can also be applied to other grades and subjects, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Art, Drama and Health and Wellness. A detailed Curriculum Connections document is available for download.
Additional Resources:
My Superpower – ShadowPuppet Project
($5.00 CAD, downloadable link)
My Superpower – ShadowPuppet Project. This short workshop plan activates learning from the Playing With Shadows Course. Create a shadow puppet inspired by a special talent or strength that you possess, exploring metaphor and symbol to express your superpower.
Teachers: Curriculum link to ELA, Art, Drama – Grade 5&6
After reading the book My Superpower by Aviaq Johston, an Inuk author, think about your special talents metaphorically using a shadow puppet as your medium. For example, if you are good at swimming, maybe your puppet is a frog. Also included are instructions on some clever ways to add movement to your shadow puppet.
Math Shapes – ShadowPuppet Project
($5.00 CAD downloadable link)
Math Shapes – ShadowPuppet Project – This short workshop plan activates learning from the Playing With Shadows Course. It uses shadow puppets to explore 2D and 3D shapes. Number concepts, like counting, adding and grouping can also be explored.
Teachers: Curriculum link to Math, Art, Drama – Grade 1&2
Inspired by the book Shapes by John L. Reiss be a Shape Detective! Brainstorm a list of all the 2D and 3D shapes you know, like pentagons, triangles or rectangular prisms. Then go for a walk around the classroom, school or park and identify shapes you see. Does a box of tissues look like a cube? or a jam jar lid like a circle? Next make some shadow puppets, a puppet story and embed the learning and fun!
Managing Emotions – ShadowPuppet Project
($5.00 CAD, downloadable link)
Managing Emotions – ShadowPuppet Project. This short workshop plan activates learning from the Playing With Shadows Course. Create a dragon shadow puppet to explore difficult emotions and to discuss strategies for managing these emotions.
It is inspired by the books When the Anger Ogre Visits and The Angry Dragon by Thierry Robberecht
Teachers: Curriculum link to Health & Wellness, Art, Drama – Grade 3/4
As human beings we experience a range of emotions every single day. Anger is sometimes a difficult emotion to experience. It is ok to get angry about things, but the way in which we react to anger has a big effect on ourselves and other people. Puppetry is a great way to explore different emotions.
Playing With Shadows Workshop Manual
($25.00 CAD, includes postage)
This 40 page manual features instructions, resources, diagrams and patterns for the complete course, printed and bound. (No videos or hyper links)
Contents:
Light sources
Projection screens
Exploring shadows
Making a shadow puppet and scenery
Manipulating your puppet
Performing your show
Teacher section: learner outcomes, assessment strategies
Share your puppet project!
Tag #wppuppet on Instagram
Tag #wppuppet on Facebook
Join our Facebook Groups for more idea exchange
Explore Create Play and Learn Facebook Group
Puppet Power for Professional Development Facebook Group
Want more puppets? Book an in-person or online workshop
