Dancing Marionette

1. The art of puppetry dates back to the 5th century BCE. But before its emergence as entertainment, evidence suggests that Egyptians crafted automatons out of wood and operated by strings to help with everyday activities such as kneading bread. Talk about this early theatre form that is still popular today. Have students learn about some of the traditions in various cultures. For example, in the Czech Republic, marionette puppetry is a treasured way of passing down traditional folk tales and legends. Burmese marionette shows convey Buddhist stories and life lessons.
2. Have students create their own marionette. They can cut out the body, limbs, and head from heavy paper and decorate them. Have them fold the limbs accordian-style so that the marionette will be able to dance and bounce. Ask them to glue the pieces together and embellish the puppet with craft items.
3. Next have students glue two craft sticks together to form an X. Cut five pieces of string or yarn - two to control the arms, two to move the legs, and one to attach to the head. Tie one end of each string to the appropriate place on the marionette, and tie the other ends to the control sticks, making sure to space the lines of string out so they won't tangle.
4. After the puppets are completed, students will use them in a performance based on original or classic stories.

ARTS: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

ARTS: Analyze multiple ways that artistic components and cultural associations influence ideas, emotions, and actions.

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place.

Using puppets or marionettes to help kids feel comfortable while teaching life lessons can be very effective. Think of how big ideas are presented to young children with puppets in series such as Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Have students form groups and create a show geared toward young children that they will present to early grades using their marionettes.

Have students explore the career of a puppeteer. What training is required? How has the profession changed over the years?