Communication
Voice, movement and focus help children think about how a character expresses thoughts and feelings.
KS1 and KS2 options
Puppet Workshop Day for primary schools
Watch a lively puppet show, discover how puppets come to life and give every child the satisfaction of making their own.
- Live puppet show
- Practical skills
- Creative making
Imagination in children’s hands
Watch, learn, create and perform
Puppet Day combines the excitement of live performance with the pleasure of creating a character that belongs entirely to the child.
The normal KS1 format includes an entertaining puppet show, a look behind the scenes at the theatre, an introduction to puppet manipulation and an accessible making activity. Children learn how movement, focus, voice and characterisation help an audience believe that a puppet is alive.
The workshop can support topics including Toys, Monsters, Traditional Tales and Castles. Story planning, storyboarding or practical performance can be incorporated when appropriate.
Suitable for: Reception to Year 4 in its usual format. A substantially different version can be arranged for Years 5 and 6.
Why puppetry works so well
A safe, playful way to find a voice
Confidence
A puppet gives quieter children a degree of separation, making speaking and performing feel less intimidating.
Creativity
Every child makes individual choices about colour, features, personality and the story behind their character.
Collaboration
Shared making, storytelling and performance encourage listening, turn-taking and working with others.
A typical Puppet Day
From audience member to puppet maker
The precise format is adapted to the children’s age, number of classes, available time and your curriculum aims.
- 1
Morning
Watch a lively puppet show
Large, colourful characters, an impressive theatre, comedy and participation introduce the children to puppetry through performance.
- 2
Morning
Behind the scenes
Children explore how the theatre works and discover some of the different types of puppet used by performers.
- 3
Morning or afternoon
Bring a puppet to life
Demonstrations and guided practice introduce movement, focus, voice and characterisation.
- 4
Afternoon
Make a puppet to keep
Every child creates a puppet of their own. The design is chosen to suit the age group, time available and number of adult helpers.
A complete creative experience
The show inspires the making
Seeing a polished performance first gives children a clear sense of what puppets can do. They notice movement, voices, comic timing and the way a puppet relates to its audience.
When they later make and manipulate their own characters, the practical work has a purpose: they are not merely completing a craft activity, but creating a potential performer.
An alternative for older children
Ask about Marionette Day
Making a string puppet requires more time and patience than the standard activity, but it offers older children a fascinating introduction to design, construction, balance and control.
Puppet Day in action
Creativity at every stage
What teachers say
A creative day that holds their attention
All 90 Year 1 children had a wonderful time watching the show, discovering how puppets work and making their own. It would not have been possible without Ron’s expertise, patience and individual approach.
The quality of the workshop was excellent. Our Year 2 children were thoroughly engaged for the whole day. The puppet workshop was well thought out and put together, with resources readily available.
The Year 2 children had a fantastic day and found the show very entertaining. I would definitely book again should the opportunity arise.
Frequently asked questions
What teachers need to know
Which year groups can take part?
Puppet Day can be adapted from Reception through to Year 6. Reception to Year 4 normally follow the show, manipulation and making format; older groups require a different approach.
How many children can take part?
Up to four classes may be possible in one day. The best format depends on pupil numbers, space, staffing and the puppet activity selected.
How long is the puppet show?
The principal show lasts approximately sixty minutes. Timings can be adjusted for very young children or when several groups are involved.
Do you need the school hall?
The hall is best for a large audience, but a sufficiently large classroom may be suitable. Making can take place in classrooms or the hall.
Do we need additional adults?
Extra adults are particularly helpful during puppet-making and allow more ambitious designs to be attempted. Parent helpers are very welcome.
How much does Puppet Day cost?
Prices depend on your location, group size and chosen activity. Send your postcode, preferred date and pupil numbers for a clear quotation including travel.
Bring puppetry to your school
Ask about availability and receive a clear quotation
Include your school name, postcode, preferred date, year groups, pupil numbers and whether you are interested in a particular puppet theme.