The Puppet Game

1. Talk about puppets

Begin by asking the group what a puppet is. Ask what types of puppets they know, such as glove puppets or string puppets.

Then ask if they know any famous string puppets. Prompt them if needed: "Does anyone know Pinocchio?"

2. Turn into puppets

Tell the children they are going to become string puppets.

Attach imaginary strings to their:

• Toes, knees and hips
• Thumbs and fingers
• Elbows and shoulders
• Lips, eyelashes and head

Encourage them to imagine how each body part might move when pulled by a string.

3. Find the workshop floor

Ask the children to find their own space on the floor and lie down.

Explain that they are now puppets waiting in Geppetto's workshop.

4. Test the strings

Walk around the room, pretending to gather up the puppet strings.

Gently tug imaginary strings to test that they work, lifting arms, legs or heads as you go.

5. Explain the game

Tell the group: "You are puppets in Geppetto's workshop. When Geppetto is awake, all the puppets must be completely still. But when he falls asleep, the puppets can move!"

6. Geppetto falls asleep

Begin to act as Geppetto. Walk around the room, inspecting the still puppets.

Then start to yawn, snore loudly and fall asleep.

Once asleep, the children can begin moving around the room like puppets.

7. Geppetto wakes up

Suddenly wake up and gasp: "Have my puppets moved?!"

Freeze the children again.

Repeat this cycle three times, each time becoming more confused and shocked.

8. Run away in fear

On the final wake-up, react with big fear and surprise.

Shout in panic and run away, leaving the puppets victorious in the workshop.