In today’s technologically advanced world, electronic devices can captivate many children. However, simple DIY toys can still bring them even more joy. Join AVAKids’ Early Childhood Education (0-6 years old) section to explore 5 ways to make paper puppets with your child!

Top 5 Easiest Ways to Make Paper Puppets at Home

How to Make a Snowman Paper Puppet

Instructions for making a snowman paper puppet:

• Divide the snowman layout into four equal parts. Then, draw the details: eyes, mouth, tongue, and lower body. Use crayons and markers to color them.
• Use a separate A4 sheet to draw the arms, legs, nose, and hat for the snowman. Use colored pens to decorate and then cut them out.
• At the initial dividing lines, fold and crease firmly to help the puppet move more flexibly.
• Next, open all the folds at the top. Place the snowman drawing face down on the table, fold the remaining 1/3 of the paper lengthwise inward, and glue it in place.
• Fold the snowman puppet to form an “M” shape using the previously created folds.
• Glue the eyes, nose, arms, and legs onto the snowman. You and your child have now completed the paper toy!

How to make a snowman paper puppet

Making a Simple Paper Puppet

Instructions for making a simple paper puppet:

• Use a compass to draw a 5cm radius yellow circle and cut it out.
• To make the puppet’s hair, use a darker colored paper, draw a 5cm radius arc, shape it as desired, cut away excess paper, and use a hot glue gun to attach the hair to the previously cut circle.
• Cut out two small circles, use a black marker to make eyes, and glue them onto the puppet’s head.
• Use colored pens to decorate the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Use any color A4 paper to fold into a fan shape to create a skirt for the puppet.
• Fold the fan in half, glue it to the puppet’s head, and secure it with a straw to make the skirt stiffer.
• Cut out eight rectangular strips of paper. Take two strips, fold them together to make a zig-zag shape. Repeat with the remaining six strips to create legs and arms for the puppet.
• Finally, use two strings to connect the two arms to the ends of a straw, allowing the puppet to move. You’ve finished making the paper toy for your child!

Example of a simple paper puppet

How to Make a Little Boy Paper Puppet from Cardboard

Instructions for making a cardboard paper puppet:

• You and your child choose a favorite cartoon character or animal, draw each body part on the cardboard, and then cut them out.
• Assemble the parts using glue. At the joints, make small holes and use string to fasten them.
• Finally, use watercolors and stickers to decorate according to your child’s preferences.

Finished cardboard paper puppet

How to Make a Crocodile Paper Puppet from Cardboard

Instructions for making a crocodile paper puppet:

• First, measure and mark 1/3 of the milk carton’s length. Cut off the remaining three sides so it can be folded. Next, glue the bottle cap to the bottom of the carton to create the crocodile’s nose.
• Use light green watercolor or markers to decorate the crocodile’s body.
• Create the crocodile’s tongue and teeth using red and white colored paper. Cut them out and glue them into the crocodile’s mouth.
• To make the crocodile puppet movable, measure and cut out hand supports and secure them inside the crocodile.
• Attach two ping pong balls and two bottle caps to the crocodile’s head to complete the puppet.

Example of a crocodile paper puppet

How to Make a Movable Paper Puppet

Instructions for making a movable paper puppet:

• Print and cut out the prepared fox cardboard shape and use markers to decorate.
• Assemble the puppet parts at the joints. Use a brads to make holes to secure the nails and complete the puppet.

Example of a movable paper puppet

Things to Keep in Mind When Making Paper Puppets with Your Child

When making paper puppets with your child, keep the following in mind:

• Choose the right paper: Select thick, sturdy paper to ensure the puppet’s durability. Thin paper can easily tear.
• Step-by-step instructions: Guide your child through each step of making the puppet. Explain how to fold, cut, and glue correctly to create the puppet’s shape.
• Use safe glue: Choose non-toxic glue that is safe for your child. Glue containing chemicals can cause itching, discomfort, or even poisoning.
• Supervise your child: Supervise your child during the process to ensure their safety. Intervene promptly if any problems arise to prevent accidents.
• Encourage creativity: To keep your child motivated and engaged, encourage creativity, allowing them to freely modify, add, or color as they wish.
• After making the paper puppet, remember to wash your child’s hands with hand soap!

With the 5 ways to make paper puppets that AVAKids shared above, you can create fun experiences and help your child develop their creativity. Try these ideas and enjoy precious and meaningful moments with your little one!