Rabbit

Objective

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

Estimated time to create the Stick Puppet – Rabbit

1 to 1.5 Hours

Materials required for creating the Stick Puppet – Rabbit

  1. Chart paper (preferably thick for durability)
  2. Colour paper (light pink or white for the rabbit’s body)
  3. Scissors
  4. Glue or adhesive
  5. Split pins (brads)
  6. Sketch pens or markers 
  7. Paper straws
  8. Pencil
  9. Punching machine or safety pin (for making holes at joints)

Preparation for activity

  1. Ensure all materials are ready and within reach.
  2. Pre-draw or print parts of the rabbit: body, two front legs, head and ears separately.
  3. Make sure parts are proportional for proper joint movement.
  4. Outline features on coloured paper for neatness.
  5. Prepare sticks for control handles.

Procedure

  • Step 1:
  • Draw and cut the parts
  • Sketch the rabbit body, front legs and head on a chart paper.
  • Cut each piece neatly.
  • Step 2:
  • Paste coloured paper 
  • Stick coloured paper over the parts (if required), then trim the edges to match the shape.
  • Step 3:
  • Add details
  • Draw eyes, nose, mouth and outline ears using a black marker.
  • Step 4:
  • Create movable joints
  • Punch holes at the base of the head and front legs.
  • Use split pins to attach the head and front legs to the body.
  • Step 5:
  • Attach the sticks
  • Stick paper straws or ice cream sticks behind the moving parts (legs and head) to control the action of the puppet.
  • Attach one stick to the main body for holding.
  • Test the movement by holding the main stick and moving the others to simulate head and limb motion.

Step by Step Pictures to create the puppet

Important Tips

  1. Use contrasting outlines to highlight features.
  2. Ensure split pins are not too tight, so that the parts move freely.
  3. Use thick chart paper for durability.
  4. Let the glue dry completely before using the sticks.

Precautions

  1. When fixing the split pins, avoid pressing too hard to prevent tearing.
  2. Keep small parts like pins and sharp tools out of reach of children.
  3. The split pins can be covered with cello tape for safety.  

Troubleshooting:

  1. If the joints are not moving freely, loosen the split pin or slightly widen the punched hole.
  2. If the paper is tearing at the joints, reinforce with tape or a second layer of paper before attaching the pins.
  3. If the sticks are not held firmly, use a glue gun or strong adhesive tape to fix them.

Instructions to the Teacher 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. 
  • Use this puppet to narrate stories or teach about animals and their movements.
  • Encourage children to personalise their puppet with colours or names.

Using the Learning Teaching Material:

The teacher can conduct a ‘Puppet Show’. Teachers can encourage the children 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.