Shape Paper Bag Puppets

These super simple shape paper bag puppets are fun to make but even more fun to play with when they are done. Not to mention the enormous learning potential from these little puppet characters. After all, children learn best through play! It has been proven to be true.

Here are a couple of great articles on the benefits of play:

• https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/baby-through-preschool-articles/top-3-benefits-of-learning-through-play/
• https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/play
• https://parentswithconfidence.com/20-epic-life-skills-your-child-learns-through-play/

SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

• Lunch sized paper bag
• Construction paper (variety of colors)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Black sharpie marker
• 2 Large googly eyes

This shape paper bag puppets craft, like every project on this site, uses supplies from the same MASTER LIST as every other craft on this site! Can you imagine the possibilities with this approach…Fill your bag using our free printable list (you will already have loads of these supplies on hand in your home without going to a single store), have hundreds of crafts with a wide variety of topics at your fingertips, find just a few minutes in your busy day, and you are ready to go. No more extensive prep that keeps you from creating with your kids. And you will never be in the middle of a project and find yourself missing a key “ingredient”.

Step 1: Cut Shapes

• Cut shapes in a variety of colors and sizes. Keep the shapes basic, such as squares, circles, triangles, etc.
• *This step may be completed by a parent, especially for the smaller pieces. But if you have a kiddo who is working on scissors skills, draw some of the larger shapes using a marker so that the border is bold and have him/her cut the big shapes out. They do not have to be perfect for this project. Allow them to try.
• Make more shapes than you will need so that your child has lots of options for putting the puppet together. If you have leftovers, just make more puppets!

Step 2: Put it together

• Place the paper bag in front of you, flap side up.
• Try out different combinations of shapes until you have a figure that you are happy with. Be sure to put the head on the flap and the body and the remainder of the bag.
• Once the pieces are put in place, secure them with your glue stick.
• Next, glue on the googly eyes.
• Finally, add a few details with the black sharpie, such as a mouth, nose, eyebrows…whatever you would like. You may have already used some small shapes for these details. That is okay too!

Optional Step 3: Add more details

• If you would like to add even more details, dig into your craft bag and use what you find. For example, use a small pompom for the nose or trim some pieces of yarn for the hair.
• *There are no limits to this craft. Use your imagination!!!

Using this Craft as a Learning Opportunity

This is a perfect project for helping little ones to become familiar with colors and shapes. Every time they pick up an item, say out loud what color and shape it is. Have your child repeat it. After several repetitions, as them to tell you the color or shape without just repeating what you say. If they are having trouble saying the names from memory, give them a couple of options. For example, “Is this square yellow or blue?” or “Is this a triangle or a square?” And, of course, follow it up with praise, no matter what! Here are some ideas for giving positive affirmation in unique ways.

Puppets are also great for improving cognitive function through story telling. Have your child create a puppet show when they are finished with their creation. This takes problem solving, thinking through scenarios that the characters will encounter. For those that are learning to write, help them print a couple of sight words to go with the story. Or write a simple sentence and draw a picture to go with it to depict what will happen. And we haven’t even mentioned the benefits toward mastering communication that a simple activity like this provides. Finally, let your child show off all that they have worked so hard to achieve by gathering the whole family for a puppet show!!!

Save this craft for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…