Fun Puppet Skits for Schools and Libraries

Book excerpt: These short (one- to three-minute) reproducible puppet skits are easy to perform-without elaborate staging, props, or rehearsal time. Educators can explore and learn to use a variety of puppets, from simple finger puppets and shadow puppets to marionettes and ventriloquist dummies. The skits are based on children's songs (e.g., Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Do the Hokey Pokey, Doggie in the Window), popular stories (e.g. The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Princess and the Pea), and the author's own characters and tales (e.g., Amy Armadillo and Jake the Cowboy). Each one is based on a theme, such as safety, friendship, or food, that can serve as focus to the lesson. The author also provides suggestions for related reading, a materials list, and a wealth of tips for the skits-from voice and ventriloquism to creating and manipulating puppets. Grades K-6.