Last year I did a workshop for early childhood educators on using puppets in storytime. I wanted some fresh ideas to share, particularly ones that didn’t involve laying down $50 on a new puppet. When searching the wonders of Pinterest I stumbled upon this picture and I thought, “yes, that is something I can realistically make myself using things I already have and with my limited artistic ability.” Behold, spoon puppets!
We have a rhyming version of The Three Little Pigs that I thought would go perfectly with the spoon puppets. With the spoons I can get the kids to help me tell the story by having three volunteers be the pigs. It is kind of hard to hold four spoons at once! A rubberband, clip, foam board, or cup works if you want to use them solo.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 wooden spoons
- Acrylic paint (pink, grey, white)
- Foam (for the ears)
- Hot glue (to attach the ears securely)
- Black sharpie (to draw the faces)
- Markers (to add any details)
- Ribbon or string
When I used these with a group of 3 and 4-year-olds they were entranced. If you wanted to tell the original story, you could draw on the backs of the spoons too. I found this picture on Pinterest for inspiration.
I feel like it’s only right to make a whole set of animals now. Old MacDonald. The Seals on the Bus. When Cows Wake Up in the Morning. Who’s in the Barnyard? There Was a Crocodile. Little Bunny Foo Foo. Two Little Butterflies. The possibilities are endless!
Tell me about your homemade puppets and how you use them. I am ready to be inspired!
Thank you. You are amazing! Simplicity and beauty. Thank you!
This looks amazing, thank you for sharing!
I was wondering if you’ll be offering more workshops concerning Toddler and Baby Storytimes? I’m definitely interested! 🙂
Hi Dani, the only workshops I do are through my job at the library as a children’s librarian and those are available to local early childhood educators. Unfortunately I’m not able to offer any other outside workshops. Are there specific topics you are interested in with regards to storytime? It helps inform what I blog about.
That is so amazing, well done!!
These are amazing Lindsay. Thanks so much for sharing.
You two give me such hope! I worked as a children’s library specialist for 20+ years in a rural community in Northern California. I had no professional training when I was assigned to that department by the head librarian of our county. However, I was lucky to have had a mom, who taught preschool and LOVED storytelling, fingerplays, and doing arts and crafts with kiddos. After my first year I knew that I had landed where I wanted to be forever! I ended up having a wonderful career working as a professional storyteller and puppeteer. I also taught storytelling for local colleges and did LOTS of workshops. At 73 yrs old now, I am so grateful come across real children’s librarians, who understand the impact of their work on kids, families, and teachers! Please keep up the good work! I go to your website a lot for fresh ideas and introductions to new books, etc. I still do a little storytelling here and there, and as I said, you two give me hope!!! (P.S.my website is very out of date! I should work on that…after I bake persimmon bread)
Hello from another Northern Californian! Although I think you are further north than I was 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story as a children’s library specialist, BZ. I have learned so much from the storytellers and puppeteers in my community. Puppetry is something in particular I feel like I can still improve upon. I really appreciate your encouragement and appreciation – it’s so cool to see who is reading this blog from all parts of the world.
Love it!! I have used your 3 Little Pigs in the past couple of years, so now I will add the spoons. Thanks for sharing!!
Wahoo! I need to know how it goes for you 🙂
Oh my gosh, those are hilarious! Looks like I could make these myself.
LOL, that’s exactly what I thought! Just at my level 🙂
Simply amazing !!!! Thank you so much for always sharing wonderful and very creative ways to make our event so much more fun and educational.
Just wanted to say that this blog has become my go to for planning toddler storytime here in Germany at the Deutsch Amerikanisches Institut in Heidelberg.
I can handle teens and kids, but I’ve always said that babys and toddlers sense my fear! Your resources have helped me overcome it 🙂
That’s so great to hear, Lynne! It’s my dream to one day work in a European country as a librarian of some sort for a year. I love hearing from those in other countries.
These are so cute, Lindsey!! I think even I might be able to try making them, and that’s saying something, given my limited artistic skills. 😉
If I can do it, you can do it, trust me!
Great idea. I will make these puppets. I am hoping to volunteer to do storytimes in a daycare in Victoria where I moved when I retired.
You are doing such great work! I hope you get the Order of Canada.
Linda! So great to hear from you. We miss you and your expertise at the library so much, especially when it comes to puppets. I hope you are enjoying your retirement in Victoria.