Pirate Puppets by Grade 4

 

 

These pirates were a big hit with the fourth graders.  The head was constructed from a styrofoam ball.  The neck was a cut tp tube that was taped securely to the head.  Each student was given a sandwich baggie with a lump of premixed paper mache pulp.  Students kneaded the bag gently, then patted the lump into a thick pancake.  They put the pulp on top of the styrofoam head, then worked it down to the edge of the neck.  They smoothed the pulp before resting the head in a plastic margarine tub.  The felt body was designed and cut while the head dried.  Students placed a pattern on top of the felt, then held it in place while they cut up the sides and under the arms.  Stripes, vests, etc. were cut free form.  After painting the face with acrylics, students added hair, beards, dread locks, pirate hats, and even a parrot.