What this lesson teaches
This activity teaches storytelling through visual art, enhancing creativity and narrative skills. By manipulating light and shadow, children learn about perspective and space while developing their own theatrical voice.
Creative Arts
Can you finish theatrical shadow puppetry in about 30 min?
Theatrical Shadow Puppetry
You will this activity teaches storytelling through visual art, enhancing creativity and narrative skills.
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 12–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectCreative Arts
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What you need
How the activity runs
The learning connection
Creating and performing with shadow puppets engages children’s creativity through embodied cognition. The act of casting shadows allows for a tangible exploration of narrative structure, giving them firsthand experience with character development and plot through play.
Try it with your learner
1. Cut out various shapes from black paper (animals, people, etc.). 2. Tape a popsicle stick to each shape as a handle. 3. Set up a white sheet as a screen and place a lamp behind it. 4. Experiment by moving the puppets in front of the sheet to create shadows. 5. Create a short story using 3 puppets and perform it for your family. 6. How did the audience respond to your story and puppets?