With all of the hype and focus on Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day is often overlooked — except by the weatherman and the groundhog, of course. As we all know, the big deal on Groundhog Day is whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow, and if we have hope for an early spring or if we’re in for a longer winter.
So if you’re looking for a fun little activity to enjoy at the beginning of February BEFORE you have to think about hearts, cards, and candy, here’s something interesting you can try as a craft and playtime activity — Shadow Puppetry.
Believe it or not, the art of shadow puppetry goes way back… all the way back nearly 2000 years ago when storytelling with shadow puppets first became very popular in early Chinese dynasties.
To help you out with this interesting activity sure to spur your child’s imagination and encourage their creativity, we have compiled a few bits of help and resources for you, everything from how to create shadow puppets with your hands to crafting your own shadow puppets to designing a simple stage for your shadow puppet shows.
Crafting Your Own Shadow Puppets
A simple video from PBS Kids.
Here are some DIY Campfire Story Shadow Puppets.
Designing a Simple Stage for Your Shadow Puppet Shows
Made from things you probably have around the house!
Here’s one more helpful video on how to make your own shadow puppet theatre.
We hope you’ll have fun with this project. We’re sure the results will offer you and your child opportunities for endless play, pretend, and storytelling!
Compiled by Theresa Case whose award-winning Kindermusik program is located at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, South Carolina.
For more music, ideas, and fun, and to find a class near you, visit Kindermusik.com.