Kids love making these simple puppets created using a few basic craft supplies.
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Some of the best toys are the toys that children make themselves! I love the creativity that children display when you offer them this simple stick puppet craft idea.
This activity is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, but it is something that older children can also enjoy.
Easy Stick Puppets Tutorial
What You'll Find on This Page
These are super easy to make! Here are the materials you need:
Puppet Making Materials
- Craft sticks
- Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Scissors – pre cut shapes for toddlers who are too young for cutting out shapes themselves.
They cut paper into shapes (fancy scissors makes it more “special”), drew faces, and taped them to craft sticks.
Some children can do this craft entirely on their own, but there is nothing wrong with helping a child so that they can complete this craft!
Besides being a quick and easy kid craft, These puppets are a great way for kids to explore emotions! You can have children make puppets featuring different feelings, like we did for our pumpkin chains.
Children can also use puppets like these to bring their favorite characters to life. Can you spot Tow Mater of Cars fame below? I’m partial to the cyclops :)
Learning With Puppets
Puppets are amazing tools for teaching storytelling. Storytelling develops basic language. It is also a crucial tool for developing empathy. Children also develop important fine motor skills as they cut and decorate their puppets.
More Fun Puppet Ideas for Kids
Here are a few other puppet crafts we have made over the years.
Puppet Ideas for Kids
DIY puppets for kids to make and for children to play with.
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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I love how simple and sweet these puppets are.
I love those simple and fun crafts. I don’t know why I never let my toddlers try to make them. i’ve made them for Brown Bear, Brown Bear and The Three Little Pigs. Tomorrow we’ll definitely have this on our agenda. Thank you for the great idea.
Love this idea – so cool!!!
Wow! Beautiful puppets! My son loves puppets. Will try this at home :)
This is great! So simple and fun. Thanks for the great idea!
The teeth are giving away Tow Mater! Love these!
What a terrific idea! Love all the different faces.
Might have to try this soon… We are in need of easy entertainment lately. :)
I love the one with one eye! These are a great idea!
My daughter loves puppets! I’m sure she’ll love making them by herself.
I love these! We love puppets at our house.
Those are awesome …and easy! Love it!
So sweet and I love the idea of using them to explore emotions.
What a simple but fun craft! I like them all, but the cyclops definitely stands out.;)
How fun, especially considering that they can all play together with their puppets.
Yes.I imagine this to be great for emotions! Lots of love and greetings to K and your family still coming in!! Good luck with your adventure ahead!
Ha ha, it took me a second but I did see it.
That Mater puppet made me laugh out loud. How cute!