Three-scene Christmas puppet show
Page 1 — Three scene cues
Draw what happens in each scene. Add words only if you want them. Keep this page beside the puppet mover; you do not need to cut the cues apart.
Scene 1 — Opening
Who arrives, and what do they want?
Draw the action on your own paper, or describe it aloud.
Puppet movement: Choose a movement
One optional line: Choose a line or leave it out.
Scene 2 — What changes?
Who responds, and what do they do?
Draw the action on your own paper, or describe it aloud.
Puppet movement: Choose a movement
One optional line: Choose a line or leave it out.
Scene 3 — How it ends
What is different now? Show the final action.
Draw the action on your own paper, or describe it aloud.
Puppet movement: Choose a movement
One optional line: Choose a line or leave it out.
Choose your jobs
Narrator: reads or invents the words.
Puppet mover: follows the pictures and moves the characters.
Sound maker: adds the sounds you choose together—or stays silent.
One person can take several jobs. Drawing the pictures or watching is also a choice.
Pause and restart
Say “Pause” to stop words and movement. Keep the current cue showing. Say “Ready,” point to the cue, and start that scene's movement again. You can also return to Scene 1 or end the show.
Page 2 — Two blank paper puppets
Decorate the front panels. An adult can cut around each whole rectangle. Keep both panels joined. Fold at the center line, then open slightly and stand with the crease on top. Both free edges rest on the table. Do not cut around your drawing.
Character 1
Name, if you want one: __________________
Front panel label: Draw your character here. Head toward the fold.
Rear panel label: Back of puppet. Leave joined to the front.
Center line label: FOLD — keep both panels joined.
Outer border label: Adult cuts around the whole rectangle.
Character 2
Name, if you want one: __________________
Front panel label: Draw your character here. Head toward the fold.
Rear panel label: Back of puppet. Leave joined to the front.
Center line label: FOLD — keep both panels joined.
Outer border label: Adult cuts around the whole rectangle.
No-scissors option
Use two whole sheets. Fold each in half so the short edges meet. Open slightly, place the crease at the top, and draw on the outside facing the audience. Or draw two characters and slide the sheets flat on the table.
Page 3 — Make, move, and tell
1. Fold and stand
Fold each rectangle across the marked center line. Open it into a tent with the crease at the top and the free edges on the table. Draw the face on the outside facing the audience, with the head toward the crease.
Test it on your table. If it spreads or tips, bring the lower edges closer together or try thicker paper. Optional: tape a strip between the lower inside edges to limit spreading. If it still will not stand, hold it by an edge or slide it flat.
2. Set your table stage
Draw a setting on another sheet and place it on a clear table. Leave space for both puppets to move. Keep the scene cues beside the mover. A stage box is optional; an adult must do any box cutting and check the edges.
3. Try this story: A place for Star
These are original fictional characters. Change them or the setting if you want.
Scene 1 — Opening
Picture: Star beside a Christmas table; an arrow points toward the table.
Movement: Slide Star toward the drawn table and stop beside it.
Optional narrator line: “Star came to the Christmas table, looking for a place.”
Scene 2 — What changes?
Picture: Lantern near Star; an arrow shows Lantern moving to the side.
Movement: Slide Lantern toward Star, then move Lantern to one side of the table.
Optional narrator line: “Lantern saw Star waiting and moved over.”
Scene 3 — How it ends
Picture: Star and Lantern side by side at the table.
Movement: Slide Star into the space beside Lantern. Stop both puppets.
Optional narrator line: “Now there was room for them both.”
4. Perform from the pictures
Try the movements once. Then add reading, made-up words, or sounds if you want them. Use “Pause” to stop. Use “Ready” and the current picture to restart that scene. Stop after the final action. Choose whether to repeat, swap jobs, or put the puppets away.
Materials
Paper and pencils or crayons. Thicker paper and tape are optional. An adult handles any cutting. Draw details instead of adding separate tiny decorations. No sticks or heat tools are needed.
About this sheet
The three scene cues and paper-puppet design are our own suggestions. The Victoria and Albert Museum's “Design and make your own story” activity supports beginning/middle/end planning and drawing, writing, or imagining a story. Smithsonian's “Making a Jellyfish Puppet” activity combines puppet-making, a setting, and a show. These sources do not test this sheet or promise learning outcomes.
Sources:
- Victoria and Albert Museum: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/design-and-make-your-own-story
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/natural-history-summer-explorations/deep-sea-animal-adaptations/jellyfish
A rectangle has two equal panels joined by a center fold. In side view, the folded paper looks like an upside-down V. The fold is the top ridge; the two free edges touch the table. The character drawing faces the audience on the outside of one panel.
First, Star slides toward the drawn table. Second, Lantern approaches Star and slides to the side. Third, Star moves beside Lantern and both stop.