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Handwork for the Lively Arts includes those projects that are related in some way to one of the lively arts: drama, music, etc.
Child-sized Projects
Dioramas and Panoramas
Puppets
Child-size projects create environments into which the children can physically enter.
Ideas for child-sized projects:
A. Child-sized house, or Playhouse
B. Tower of Babel with cardboard boxes
C. Building a set or props for a play
Dioramas and panoramas may involve the use of puppets or figurines, either as a puppet show or dramatic play within the diorama or panorama.
Ideas for projects:
Straight-sided Box Diorama
— Village in Ancient Near East
— Etc.
Small Panoramas
— Model of Thoreau’s cabin and grounds
— Model of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem
— Etc.
Puppets may be used in puppet shows, or with less formal puppet play.
Ideas for projects:
A. Single-string marionettes
B. Stick Puppets
C. Hand puppets
Draw the puppet on stiff paper or light cardboard. Then cut out the puppet. Attach the puppet to a “tongue depressor” (large wood craft stick) using hot melt glue. To see an example of such a puppet, made by a seven-year-old, click here.
D. Rod puppets
E. Shadow puppets