So I was asked by my play director if I could teach a class this summer on puppet making. I figured something like the glorified sock puppet but that wouldn't be an appropriate for some of the students. See she said the ages could range from Kindergarten to 12th grade so I'm thinking I may need to do two separate projects and divide the class. I've never taught a class before and am really lost on what to do. Any help would be appreciated. 

Hrrrm....

Blatant advertising:
http://www.schoolofpuppetry.com.au/packs.php/how-to-teach-puppetry

12th grade - is that kids in their teens? (You Americans, got to do everything differently, including names of grades at school!)

Actually something I did for that above ebook is to create two versions of the same puppet; one for younger kids and one for older. It's the same basic pattern but just adding more difficulty to how you make it. Maybe something similar would work, that way you can save yourself some hassle.

Or you could do something which is totally improvised. I know a lot of people here in Aus who take the class outside, gather up some twigs, leaves, etc. and make puppets using whatever they can find. It's a great example of using your imagination, it's fun, it's about the environment, and works for any age.

Or something with blacklight is fun: I have always loved the idea of making improvised puppets using neon wool, or painted neon objects, going into a darkened room and 'running' around in the blacklight and just playing with the objects and interacting with one another.

.... Of course, it may help to go with something you're comfortable with. I know I'd be more at home teaching shadow puppets or foam puppet building, than with marionettes.

Anyway, this was discussed before as well, so more ideas might be found here:
http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,6610.0.html

12th grade - is that kids in their teens? (You Americans, got to do everything differently, including names of grades at school!)

Yeah like around 18.

Ah, that's kind of what I thought. Are you talking about a combined class with all ages, or separate?

She hasn't given me all the details yet but I am thinking they are wanting a combined class.

Yeah, that makes it problematic doesn't it? The younger kids are going to need the most supervision, but the older ones won't enjoy anything that's "too kiddy" or too easy.

What about working with clay or papier mache?

Well at one point I was thinking sock puppets. I might have to tell her it needs to be age restricted. Maybe 8 years old at the youngest. :/

Sock puppets would be cool. I know the older kids may think it's dull, but you could give them nylon stockings instead... may spark something

But I think you're right. Trying to do a whole gamut of age/skill ranges in one go may be too demanding, especially if it's your first time teaching. I know it scared the heck out of me the first time

The only thing that really scares me is time. She has not told me if it is going to be over the course of a few days or just one and what my time limit is. Those factors alone will also determine the project.

I think perhaps then you should get complete details from her before coming up with ideas. It's hard to say "let's build X" and then find out you have half the time needed.

Also, work with the director: she's probably got a good idea of skills and interests for the kids and may have some suggestions for the types of puppets you could try.

Another thought I just had is a 'round robin' idea: have a bunch of different kinds of puppets you could do quickly and easily and then get the kids to rotate. Keeps them from getting bored and gets them to try different puppetry concepts.