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I need some help for teaching puppet making.  (Read 2791 times)
Shawn Sorrell
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2012, 10:29:04 am »

Looks like everyone had a lot of fun.  I love the foot puppets!
Billy D. Fuller
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2012, 02:42:01 pm »

FUN FUN FUN!
MsPuppet
« Reply #17 on: February 10, 2012, 10:23:31 am »

Ask lots of questions!  Amount of time allotted, number of participants, age span, budget. 
I have taught a number of classes, ranging from puppets you can make with dollar store items (Check out "The Muppets Make Puppets" or any of John Kennedy's books on puppets)to much more complex puppets. 

If the older ones finish ahead of the younger, assign them to put together a show and have them perform it at the end (or on another day).  You can always guide them in a direction (puppets to match a story book or story).
AWS Puppets
« Reply #18 on: February 10, 2012, 06:10:12 pm »

She still has not given me all the info. All I know is she said they will pay for materials on top of paying me so I don't have to worry so much about cost.
Na
« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2012, 12:47:07 am »

I would recommend getting as much info as possible. People who do this to me - ambiguous requests - generally are the ones who end up pulling out for one reason or another. When I explain I can't offer a quote/plans unless they give me more info, they either disappear for lack of thinking it through or provide the info needed because they didn't think it was important or necessary. (Some people genuinely don't know what they're looking for which is fine, but if they say so then you can go ahead and help them work out what they want by asking them to think about answers to your questions)

Everyone has great tips here, and I loved Lisa's video!

Snail
« Reply #20 on: February 12, 2012, 08:09:06 am »

I have not taught construction, but puppet technique several times to elementary age.  At the end each group did a short show for the others and that was when it really gelled.  I use a simple short prerecorded song that everone knows and see how each group interprets it, no planing just impromptu and I am amazed at the things they come up with, it is a great boost for them to get applause. You don't find many people who know how to sew these days so having a presewn basic body or sock would be less intimidating. You always have to be careful with hot glue and kids. Maybe have some ice water ready for boo boos.  In a craft class once we took a little electric hot plate and a small tin and made melted glue sticks that they could dip in the glue and with adult supervision. I think having a lot of puppet pictures for them to see hanging around would inspire them kind of like the gallery does here.
MsPuppet
« Reply #21 on: February 12, 2012, 09:04:07 pm »

Perhaps you can make up a couple of samples and show her.  Prepare a sheet with pricing per kit. That way, if she has an idea in mind, this will help her (not everyone is creative and some people just cannot verbalize their ideas).  It might also help with the things Na mentioned.  I like to know what they person putting the program together expects from me, the students, and what the goal is for offering the class.  Helps me put together a program that meets their needs.
Na
« Reply #22 on: February 12, 2012, 10:57:07 pm »

This makes me think that along with a puppet commission checklist, I should write up a puppet workshop checklist. All the questions one needs answers to from anyone who hires a workshop service...
AWS Puppets
« Reply #23 on: February 14, 2012, 11:39:36 pm »

Okay so I have more info. Apparently this class will be over the course of 5 days for 1 hour a day. She wants all 5 days to revolve around one project. She wants it set up so each student builds their own puppet and she also said hand sewing and hot glue can be an option since she does not expect anyone younger than age 9 to sign up. So the age group will be ages 9 to 18 and the project must take about 5 hours and I figure some people could continue the project at home so technically it could be 5 hours plus.
Na
« Reply #24 on: February 15, 2012, 07:53:24 pm »

I think there are plenty of suggestions here that you could work from... don't forget, some of that one hour will likely be spent giving instructions. Since it's split up, I'd also recommend reminding kids of any safety issues if necessary.

One hour is also pretty short depending on the puppets you build, so you could actually split it so that it coincides with drying times and that way no one is sitting around waiting for glues or other items to dry or form.

Do you have anything planned based on the further info given, or still need more advice and suggestions?
AWS Puppets
« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2012, 07:34:57 pm »


Do you have anything planned based on the further info given, or still need more advice and suggestions?
No I think I have an idea. :D
Na
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2012, 08:40:59 pm »

Glad to hear it! Do share more info if/when appropriate, I hope it all goes well Smiley
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