This handout from my Storytelling with Puppets workshop gains
immensely by my demonstrations. In the meantime I hope it helps get
you started!
AN ALPHABET OF PUPPETS and STORYTELLING
*Answer and ask questions and riddles
*Be in a story or play as lead character or 1 of many
*Comment on story or poem
*Dress and use props to match theme or holiday
*Express feelings and emotions
*Get-acquainted with children, especially if shy
*Improvise an audience-created story // Introduce people or
other puppets
*Kids can make puppets and join you
*Lead group participation
*Offer prizes and rewards
*Play an instrument // Play games // Present "Commercials"
*Quietly sit and listen to program
*Read aloud, including Recite poetry
*Sing // Swallow things // Sign autographs (including
pawprints)
*Teach anything (e.g. concepts, library instruction, rules) // Turn
the pages in a book // Talk about books
*Use sign language if your puppet is full-fingered
*Vary the mood and pace of a program
*Whisper comments and messages to puppeteer // Welcome audience and
end program
*X marks the spot(s) where you do walk-arounds, parades, and
promote programs
*Yell and act crazy since the puppeteer is usually quieter
*Zip around and add visual interest
To find useful Puppet links go to the Storytelling Resources
section and click on
