Storybook Puppets

Meet The Teacher: Katrina Callan

I have been teaching art for 25 years. I am currently teaching some amazing little artists at Providence Elementary in Temple, Georgia.

Project Description

This lesson integrates language arts, visual arts, and drama combined together in the form of a puppet. Students will create a puppet based off a favorite book character of theirs. Once the puppet is complete, the class will watch a puppet show of their peers puppets being interviewed about who they are and what book they are from.

Materials

  • Clay
  • Glaze
  • Beads
  • Wire or pipe cleaners
Download Material List

Grade Level

Elementary School

Difficulty

Easy

Student Hands-On Time

1 hour

Teacher Prep Time

30 Minutes

Project Cost / Cost Per Student

1

21st Century Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
  • Creativity & Innovation
  • Communication
  • Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Initiative & Self-Direction
  • Social & Cross-Cultural Skills

STEAM Education

  • Arts

Differentiations and Accommodations

Differentiation

IEP

Accommodation

Extended time, a different art material,(sensory issue) a simplified structure or a more challenging structure(advanced)

Learning Objectives: Knowledge

They should know how to make a preliminary sketch of an idea, create a pinch pot, blend clay and score, as well as a few puppetry techniques.

Learning Objectives: Skills

Students will be assessed on their ability to plan, create and verbalize who their character is in relation to the book they chose. Making a pinch pot, scoring, and carving into clay will all be taught in this lesson.

Learning Objectives: Attitudes/Values

This lesson creates an interest in others views and ideas on things. In this case, students become interested in what their friends are reading about and why they enjoy the books they chose. Students are also taught appropriate behavior when someone is performing and how to compliment and cheer on friends after a performance. A clay puppet takes the sacred aspect of clay to a new level as this creation is not only hand crafted but also has a personality and a whole story behind it.

Formative Assessment

Student will demonstrate taking care of art materials and tools, the ability to attach two pieces of clay together, make a pinch pot., The completion of the puppet will be shown by glazing and adding the beads.

Summative Assessment

The student will have the ability to explain who the character sculpted is and what book it is from. An effort to create this character to the best of their ability will be demonstrated.

Reflection and Discussion

What book would you like to read based on our puppet show today?

Lesson Activities

Discussion about their favorite books

Discuss favorite books and their characters. Explain that they will be creating a clay puppet of their favorite book character.It helps to brainstorm a list that all can see of their favorite books and characters for those who may need some ideas.

Draw your character

Students will spend no more than 15 minutes drawing this character, identifying key physical features they may want to include.

Making the clay puppet

After reviewing clay rules and procedures,demo how to make a pinch pot and attaching (scoring or slurry if needed)a sphere or whatever shape is needed for the head. Students will the draw in,carve, or pinch in the facial features. Using clay tools, poke the holes for the arms and legs.

Adding glaze or paint

Fire and glaze(and refire) or paint.

Arms and legs

Send wires through puppet and add beads.

It's Showtime!

Book report puppet shows-The teacher will talk to each puppet asking what book they are from and ask questions about the book as to entice other students to read that book.

Additional Documents

Document 1