DIY Puppet Theater

At Christmas, my kids were gifted some Melissa and Doug animal hand puppets. I knew they would be interested, because I'd seen them gravitate toward the little stage at the children's library, but we didn't have any way to really incorporate the puppets into our play. So when we bought a new dishwasher in January and I got a look at the giant cardboard box it came in, I knew what I could make with it.

Puppet Theater Instructions

1. Establish what box you'll be using. The larger the better, as you want your children to be able to sit inside.
   

2. Cut a small door in one side of the box for entry. It needs to be tall enough for them to crawl inside.
   

3. Cut a "stage window" on another box wall. You'll want it large enough to put a hand puppet or two through.
   

4. Paint the box. I used this antique gold spray. Just make sure the paint you choose will work on various surfaces. The main goal here is to cover the box writing. I chose the gold so I would only have to spray over the lettering and not the whole box- the gold blended in with the cardboard color.
   

5. You'll need a piece of red fabric for the "stage curtain." I found a piece at Dollar Tree, then cut it down the middle. I hot glued the top of each piece to the inside of the stage window, and used clothespins which I adhered to the side to hold the curtains open.
   

6. I already had a string of battery powered mini lights from Christmas, which I hot glued to the inside top of the box. My kids like turning these on and off which it's "show time."

It's March and the box is still in impeccable shape and sitting in our living room. I added a blanket to the inside floor for comfort and found several more hand puppets at Goodwill for $3. Sometimes my oldest uses the theater space for eating his snacks or to be alone, and sometimes both my kids will go in and create something together.

Ways to Use:

*play scenarios on sharing, making friends, etc.

*teaching audience manners/etiquette

*imaginative play

*fine motor practice holding and manipulating puppet

*emotions (acting out sadness, frustrated), and offering ways to manage

*make your own puppet craft (you could even use a sock)

*seasonal use (Christmas play for the family)

*calm down area in home or classroom