By Kate Gorely.
In this post teacher Kate Gorely shows how Middle Eastern architecture was the inspiration behind creating a shadow puppet show for a year 4 class. This activity is a great opportunity for children to learn the technical aspects of making puppets, but also using narrative and story to create a performance.
Notes for Teachers
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Who is this resource aimed at?
This activity was delivered to a year 4 class. However, other year groups can still participate in shadow puppetry. Older year groups may be able to create more complex forms and younger children may need assistance with cutting and shaping.
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What are the aims and objectives in terms of process and skill?
- To explore the concept and process of creating shadow puppets using a simple array of materials.
- To respond to music
- To develop design and drawing skills
- To develop skills in self directed research
- To work collaboratively using story and narrative to create a performance.
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How long will the activity take?
It took two sessions to make the puppets and another two to create the performance.
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What materials wil we need?
Materials Needed
- Sketchbooks or paper for developing ideas
- Scissors
- Paper
- Black card
- Craft knife (for older chidlren)
- Cutting board
- Tissue paper
- White sheet
- 2 poles (bamboo poles or kebab screwers with the sharp end cut off will do fine)
- Strong light (egg floodlight from DIY shop or stage light)
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Which artists might we look at to inform and inspire us?
Shadow puppetry is an ancient form of puppetry originating from South East Asia, with traiditonal stories being narrated in countries such China, India, Cambodia and Thailand.
Videos showing different performances of shadow puppetry are widely avaialble online and we wached some for early inspiration.
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