Objective

To help teachers create a puppet of a Joker for story-telling and other educational purposes.

Estimated time to create the Joker

1 to 1.5 hrs

Materials required for creating the Joker

• White chart paper/ thick sheet for puppet base
• A4 Colour papers (for costume, hat, shoes etc. in yellow, violet, cream, pink etc.)
• Wooden skewer
• Glue (glue drops or glue stick)
• Double sided tape
• Scissors
• Black marker or sketch pen
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Decorative materials (optional)

Preparation for activity

1.Ensure all materials are ready and within reach.

2.Cut chart paper into manageable sizes.

3.Draw or print a joker outline template (front view).

4.Keep the colour papers cut to size – for arms, face, legs, cap and costume.

5.Pre-roll small cylinders from paper for finger holders.

6.Keep a clean and flat work area for assembly.

Procedure

• Draw the joker’s shape on a white chart paper.
• Take the cream coloured A4 colour paper and cut-out the hands, face, feet for the joker. Also cut out the costume, cap, etc. using coloured papers. Paste the shapes on the chart paper and decorate using sketch pens or markers. Add facial features, eyes, red nose and a big smile. Trim any extra paper and check symmetry.
• Attach a skewer vertically along the center back using black tape. This gives stiffness.
• Take two pieces of white paper. Roll them such that one fits the size of your index finger and the other fits the middle finger. Paste the edges to form the pipes.

Step by Step Pictures to create the puppet

Important Tips

1. Use bright colours to make the joker visually engaging.
2. Ensure the finger tubes are not too tight or loose.
3. Let the glue dry fully before handling the puppet.
4. While creating the puppet, replicate the character illustration given in the children’s textbook. Once the puppet is ready, use the character’s name from the textbook. Using the name in the textbook, helps children to remember the content.
5. The teacher should use the puppet at an appropriate time. The teacher can narrate the story in a humorous manner.  The teacher may make intentional mistakes to encourage children to correct them, thereby helping them become more actively engaged.

Precautions

Precautions to be taken while manipulating finger puppets:

1. Always keep the face of the puppet towards the audience.
2. Avoid overloading with glue to prevent wrinkling or damage.
3. Avoid very thin paper that tears easily.
4. Ensure all parts are securely attached to avoid falling apart during use.

Troubleshooting:

1. If the arms are falling and legs are hanging loose, use stronger tape or add extra support at joints.
2. If the finger pipes are loose, re-roll tighter or add an inner paper strip.
3. If the puppet is flopping, reinforce the body with double layers or add a cardboard base.

Notes to the Teacher

Using puppets also aids in developing motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination. Additionally, puppets can enhance communication and social skills, improve focus and concentration and help teach concepts and values. 

Integrate with a story or rhyme session featuring the joker.

Great for themes like circus, emotion expression or character building.

Using the Learning Teaching Material

The teacher can conduct a ‘Puppet Show’. Teachers can encourage the students to create these puppets and have a ‘Puppet Show’ in the classroom.

Video: How to use Learning Teaching Material

Source and Attribution of images All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.

This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.