Sage

Objective

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

Estimated time to create the Stick Puppet – Sage

1 to 1.5 hours

Materials required for creating the Stick Puppet – Sage

  1. Coloured felt paper (red, orange etc. for the robe)
  2. Foam/chart sheet (yellow for head and hands)
  3. Coloured paper (yellow for the support sticks)
  4. Glue (glue drops or glue stick)
  5. Scissors
  6. Black marker or sketch pen
  7. Pencil
  8. Ruler
  9. Decorative materials (optional)

Preparation for activity

  1. Ensure all materials are ready and within reach.
  2. Cut chart paper and foam sheets into manageable sizes.
  3. Pre-cut some basic shapes like rectangles for the robe, arms and strips for support.
  4. Keep the head shape ready on foam sheets for tracing or direct use.
  5. Ensure all tools (scissors, glue, marker) are in working condition.

Procedure

  • Prepare the robe and sticks to make the support frame:
  • Cut a lengthy rectangle piece from red felt paper for the robe. Fold into two. Cut two smaller rectangles for the sleeves.
  • Roll the yellow rectangular papers into two paper sticks, one slightly lengthier than the height of the robe and the other sufficient to hold the shoulder portion.
  • Create the support frame:
  • Fix the two sticks in a cross shape inside the robe using glue. Make a hole in the middle of the shoulder and let the stick project out a little through the hole.
  • Draw and cut the Sage’s head and draw the facial features:
  • Use the foam sheet to draw the head with a bun (topknot) and ears. Cut it out neatly.
  • Use a black marker to draw eyes, eyebrows, nose and a calm expression. You can also cut out the nose shape from a piece of chart paper and attach on the face for a projected look.
  • You can use googly eyes for added effect.
  • Assemble the Puppet:
  • Attach hands (cut from foam) to the sleeves and glue the sleeves onto the robe.
  • Glue the foam head to the top of the robe.
  • Add Final Touches:
  • Seal the robe by folding and gluing the edges neatly to give the puppet a tidy and finished look.
  • Attach any decorative details or fine adjustments as desired.

Step by Step Pictures to create the puppet

Important Tips

  1. Use contrasting colours for clarity (e.g. red robe, yellow hands/head).
  2. Let glue dry fully before handling the puppet.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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

Troubleshooting:

  1. Apply extra glue or use adhesive tape inside for hidden support.
  2. If the parts are falling off, use stronger glue or secure with thread stitches.
  3. If the eyes or small parts are detaching, replace with marker drawings or stitch into place.

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 activity to introduce cultural and historical discussions about Indian sages.
  • Use the puppet for storytelling, moral lessons or drama sessions.

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.