In-person puppet workshops
Our workshops and residencies are tailored to meet your unique situation.
All workshops include:
Creative puppet making
Puppeteer warm-up exercises and animation tips
All supplies, tools OR, if online, a complete supply list.
Curriculum links, scaffolding suggestions
Maximum preferred group size ~ 30 participants
For schools or communities.
Our professional program facilitators have done a vulnerable sector check and carry liability insurance and WCB coverage.
Please inquire for workshop and residency fees
See some of our sample lessons below
Kindergarten – Math – investigating quantity to 10. Shadow puppets review counting while practicing art skills such as tracing, cutting, folding and community skills when sharing puppets.
Grade 1 – ELAL - Creating Puppet Stories with a Beginning, Middle, End A Very Hungry Caterpillar puppet crawls though Eric Carle’s famous story book till they turn into a butterfly.
Grade 1 – ELAL - Exploring Fables and Imaginary Stories Missing tooth self-portrait mask – body puppets act out tooth traditions around the world from the book Throw Your Tooth on the Roof”
Grade 2 – Science - Investigating the behaviors of light Shadow puppets explore and suggest ideas for “What do you do with a Problem” by Kobi Yamada
Grade 3 – Mathematics – Interpret shapes in 2 and 3 dimensions. 3 D geometric paper puppets made from cones, rectangular, triangular prisms etc., as well as fun paper craft techniques act out “Where the Wild Things Are”
Grade 3 – ELAL – Examine and apply listening and speaking skills in puppet drama interactions Bean bag puppets are stuffed with ideas to exchange!
Grade 4 – Science – Know about methods of waste management that can reduce environmental impacts. Compostable fruit and vegetable puppets tell tall gardening tales, stretching, bending and exaggerating in a fun way.
Grade 5 – Science – Analyse climate and connect it to weather conditions. Rod puppets act out common weather axioms and predictions, Red Sky at Night – Sailors Delight! and discuss their basis for truth.
Grade 6 – ELAL – Through puppets explore forms of literature such as comedy and tragedy. Simple 5 string marionettes cover some of history’s most haunting songs, as well as some of the most comedic.
Professional Development
“Wow! Fabulous—lots of great ideas for the classroom that are practical and yet full of ‘adventure’!”
– Joyce (teacher)
Anyone who works with children, including classroom teachers, play-school workers, recreational therapists, students, and parents, is included.
It provides an increased understanding of the child. Children often reveal more information about their thoughts and feelings when playing with a puppet—about their home, concerns, fears, and wishes.
It enables you to see differently. Participating in puppet play may strengthen your relationship with the child. You become a teller of tales—a magic maker!
Enhances your own creativity. Regardless of whether you have used puppets for a long time or are new, discover hidden talents as an artist, performer or educator.
Provides alternative learning experiences. Equal importance must be given to the major areas of growth and development: the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects of the individual. Puppets can integrate into all these areas, allowing your students to encourage and build these skills.
Provides an atmosphere of fun! For you and your kids!