
Shadow Puppet Fun!
This week you and your playschoolers can discover shapes, shadows, and a story!
First, draw different shapes or characters onto cardboard or paper - either material works, but if the medium is thicker it will allow you to create larger puppets without them falling over. Your playschooler may want to make specific shapes (circle, triangle, heart) or could be more interested in a puppet (fish, dinosaur, bear). You can choose to draw the shape’s outlines or trace some favorite toys.
Next, cut out your shapes and adhere them to popsicle sticks using glue or tape. Once your puppet shapes are ready, the shadow exploration can begin!
Prop a flashlight up to shine on a wall. You can always use the flashlight on your phone for easy access. Then project shadows on the wall by placing the puppets in front of the light. It can feel fun to tell a story with your puppets or explore how the size of the shapes change as you move them between the wall and the light. Not only can you explore the puppet shadows, but your toddler could also explore their own shadow too! Have fun!
I wonder...
I wonder statements are a great way to introduce concepts to children, stimulate their curiosity while modeling the pleasure of learning, and embrace ideas in a fun and unpressured way!
- I wonder what shape that is?
I wonder what animal this is?
I wonder how many puppets we can make?
I wonder what happens when I place my puppet closer to the flashlight? I wonder what happens when I place my puppet farther away from the flashlight?
Project Supplies
Cardboard or paper
Popsicle sticks, straws, pens, or even sticks from outside work
Scissors
Tape or glue
Flashlight
Project Gallery
