Do-it-yourself shadow theater in kindergarten. Master Class

Do-it-yourself shadow theater in kindergarten.  Master Class
Do-it-yourself shadow theater in kindergarten. Master Class

Shadow theater is widely practiced in the system of pedagogical education. Moreover, this type of art, as a rule, does not require complex equipment and serious acting skills, which provides additional opportunities for using it both in educational institutions and at home.

History of origin

According to separate historical sources, shadow theater as an art originated in ancient China, during the Han dynasty. According to another version, the shadow theater was borrowed from the culture of Ancient Egypt. The most common subject for performances in China was the historical epic. In other states, which adopted this type of art, the plot also had its own specifics. So, for example, in India the shadows were more often focused on religious themes, and in Turkey - on comedic ones.

In our country, shadow theater appeared at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, during the reign of Anna Ioannovna. For example, its elements were used within the framework of school theaters in theological seminaries and academies.

The role of shadow theater in the development of children

Children's shadow theater is not just a kind of game for a child - it is an additional way of his development. Shadow games stimulate the baby's imagination, develop his imagination. Getting certain characters here is possible, for example, by folding your fingers in a certain way. Accordingly, this provides additional opportunities for the development of manual dexterity of the child, the coordination of his movements.

At the same time, if we are talking about an early age, then the performance can be arranged by the parents of the baby. Older children are already able to take part in the play themselves. It is also possible to use shadow theater for group lessons. In kindergarten, these activities are often used as exercises to develop the child's motor skills and speech. And the textual accompaniment, in turn, stimulates the speech culture of the kids.

Finger Shadow Theater

This type is the most common in working with babies. It allows you to create a shadow theater with your own hands. To create it, you need a flat and a lamp. The lamp should be against the center of the screen, at a distance of several meters from the wall so that the light falls directly on it. It is better if the following proportion is observed: the width of the screen is equal to the distance from the lamp to the screen.

The material for the screen can be any translucent fabric or tracing paper stretched over a plywood frame.

A sheet attached to the doorway will also work. Or you can install a simple screen, behind which the light source will be located. In this case, it is necessary to choose the correct angle so that the shadow of the presenter does not overlap the shadows of the hands. In addition, to enhance the effect, the room should be as dark as possible. By folding your fingers into a certain combination, you get the image of a particular character. Then it all depends on your imagination. To make your performance more enjoyable, you can organize the reading by roles, include an appropriate background music, etc.

Images used

You can choose a wide variety of silhouettes for the shadow theater, depending on the plot of your performance. It is better to start with simpler images, gradually complicating the combinations. The most common are animal silhouettes; also with the help of hands it is possible to depict human figures, plants and various objects. In this case, you can give the child the opportunity to name the characters or objects that he sees. It is also desirable to depict the interaction between the characters: how they react to each other, talk, move in space, etc. In addition, each created image can be accompanied by a small poem, for example: “A butterfly lives one day. The left wing of the butterfly is dawn. Right - evening ”(S. Kozlov). Your performance will be more exciting if you tell a fairy tale or a fable (in which there are a small number of heroes) with the help of characters. For example, the fables of I.A.Krylov are well suited.

Use of additional funds

If the performance is aimed at children of the older group of kindergarten, it is possible that finger shadow theater will captivate them less. Still, this activity is more suitable for toddlers. How to make shadow theater brighter and more memorable? In this case, it is possible to use additional funds. So, for example, if we are talking about a performance in an educational institution, and not about a family home evening, it is better to use a real, professional screen.

Characters for the performance can be both ordinary dolls and silhouettes specially made from various materials. At the same time, it is better to choose black material for cutting characters. better to attach to sticks. You can complicate the action by using more mobile forms. So, for example, it can be moving with the help of special ropes.

Instructions for making dolls

A sketch is made on thin cardboard, according to which the head of the future character is cut out. Using glue or a paper clip (you can also use a needle and thread), a paper tube for the index finger is attached to the head - together they form the body of the doll. In turn, the middle and the puppeteer become the legs of the character. At the same time, it is better to make the figures in such a way that their heads and limbs are moving - this will make the shadow theater for children more dynamic and emotional.

Then, in the details, it is necessary to make punctures and thread sections of wire into them, twisting on both sides in a spiral. In order to make eyes for the doll, first punctures are also made, the holes of which are subsequently expanded with some pointed object (awl, knife, etc.). A circle cut from a colored transparent film is glued to the hole. Then the parts of the doll are covered with black paint.

Example of character crafting: baby elephant

You can also use buttons to make the figures move. Here is an example of making a figurine of an elephant for a play:

Legs and body are cut out of cardboard according to a template;

Small holes are made at the attachment point of the first and second pairs of legs;

Fastening of pairs of legs is carried out by means of an elastic band and buttons (the elastic is threaded through the holes of the buttons, and its ends are passed through the legs and body of the elephant calf);

On the reverse side, the structure is also fixed with buttons or with a piece of a match.

Thus, the baby elephant acquires a movable connection, which makes it possible to depict the movement of its legs during the performance.

Stage and scenery

If you use puppets in the performance, then you should decide on the stage on which the performance will take place. For example, it can be made from a large rectangular box: a large hole is cut out in it, which is then sealed with a white sheet of paper.

Also, the shadow theater looks more effective if you use the scenery. They can be cut from paper and attached to the edge of the screen.

At the same time, it is important that, on the one hand, the scenery is clearly visible, and on the other hand, leave enough space for the characters of the performance in the center of the screen.

Thus, the shadow theater in kindergarten is not only an element but also an element of their own creativity, as well as a component of the child's upbringing and development system. In addition, classes of this kind stimulate the emotional sphere of children - emotions accompany both the process of preparing the performance, making characters and decorations, and the plot of the performance itself. Of course, the curtain adds an additional effect to the performance.

Good afternoon, guests and blog readers! Today I again want to touch on the topic of how and how to lure a child at home. This topic is very close to me, because I have two children at home. Which require attention and care.

In the previous article, I told you about didactic games with your favorite characters from Paw Patrol. Read who missed this issue here.

Today I want to offer another version of playing at home, this is a puppet theater. Of course, you can take your child to a real puppet theater, or you can create it at home.

Therefore, I will share with you some thoughts, developments to make such a miracle.

We need: your desire and a little free time 🙂

To be honest, we have different options for theaters at home, for example this wood.


My kids love him very much, because it is so funny and exciting when I show them a fairy tale, and they sit and listen. Now I have an eldest son, he can show and tell fairy tales himself. Just think, it's very cool, because the child is playing, learning to retell his favorite fairy tale, build a dialogue, etc.


I think that all preschool children, as well as the majority of children of primary school age, will not remain indifferent to such theaters. And if you also come up with fairy tales with a funny plot and an intriguing end, then in general you can get a real holiday for a child.


The simplest version of a do-it-yourself puppet theater is a paper one. It is easy to make it yourself. Well, or together with a child.

DIY paper finger puppet theater, patterns

The paper finger puppet theater is very popular with children, it attracts them, and also develops fine motor skills of the hands. Take a look.


The first option is a flat round finger theater. You need to make the head and the upper part of the doll, dress on the finger using a paper ring, or you can make cones.


Create these dolls with your child, start with character templates. Download them on my site by writing me a comment below, I will gladly send you templates, print and play fun.

After all, finger puppet theater is a whole magical art in which children learn about the world around them. Any child will like being in the role of an artist, and this helps to believe in yourself and achieve success in the future. It is also a good material for the development of such processes in children as imagination, thinking, as well as the development of fine motor skills and much more.

Finger theater can be made from any materials at hand, such as paper, fabric, cardboard, cork, thread, cups, etc.

DIY desktop paper theater, templates

I show my children, here is such a desktop paper theater, which I made very quickly.


We need:

  • cups from "Rastishka", illustrations, ice cream sticks

Stages of work:

1. Take any illustrations and cut out along the contour of all the characters of the fairy tale.

3. Glue ice cream sticks on each fairytale hero.


4. Now take the cups and make a horizontal hole at the top of each cup with a clerical knife.


5. Well, now insert the stick with the hero into the glass. See how lovely it turned out. Very easy and simple, no worse than buying in a store.


Ice cream sticks can be replaced with plastic forks or spoons.

If you do not want to take illustrations from books, then you can find characters from any fairy tales on the Internet, save them, and then print them, and then cut them out and stick them on sticks. You can download from my site such ready-made templates for heroes based on such fairy tales: Kolobok, Teremok, Turnip, Zaichya's hut, just write a comment or review below, and I will send you an email.

Paper puppet theater "Hodilki"

Such a theater is very popular with young children; for such a theater, favorite characters and a couple of holes are needed.


Believe me, children will be happy to play such games.


And if you invite friends to visit, then the game will be even more fun.


You can also receive samples of your favorite heroes' walkers to your e-mail address.

Desktop paper theater on plastic cups, corks, cubes

This option is also very easy to do, you can even draw the characters themselves, or find and cut, and then glue them onto corks or cubes. Everything is ingeniously simple.


How do you like this idea? All children love a kinder surprise, and they all have little containers that you can bring to such a theater.


DIY glove doll

In reality, a lot of puppet theaters can be built. Even with almost no cash costs. You just need to turn on your wit and do it! You can sew for example.


And you can learn to knit and knit such cute heroes:


Honestly, I used to knit well, now a little time is not enough for all this. But I never liked to sew. But, also as an option, you can sew a theater who loves this business.


Although here's the easiest master for you - a class on sewing a puppet theater from fabric, using gloves. Anyone can cope, even those who do not know the art of sewing.

We need:

  • household gloves, knitted - 2 pcs., buttons for eyes - 2 pcs., threads, scissors, braid, stationery knife

Stages of work:

1. Take the first glove and steam the seam on the cuff, usually red or yellow. Tuck in the little finger, thumb and forefinger so that they do not come out, sew them up. You should have a head with ears and a neck. Sew the bases at the ears so that your fingers do not get there.


2. Now take the next glove and hide your ring finger in it, sew the hole. Put your middle and index fingers together and now slide the hare's head over them.


3. Sew the head to the neck. To hide the seam around the neck, tie a bow or bow tie. Sew on the button eyes and embroider the muzzle, or you can draw with a marker. You can decorate a bunny from a cannon or knitted threads by gluing a cute little bunny on its head. 😯


In this way, other toys can be made, such as a dog, parsley, etc.


My son, in general, loves such a simple glove, puts it on and walks around all sorts of stories coming up with heroes 🙂


Here is such a short article for today. I think how many of you have small children, you will be happy to diversify their leisure time. Choose any kind of theater, do it with your child. And then enjoy the good mood and positivity. After all, all joint work strengthens your relationship! And the child will only be happy and glad of this, and will certainly tell you: "Mommy, how I love you!" The most magical words in this world.

Well, I say goodbye to you for today. Until next time.

P.S Do you know what is very important ?! It is in the home puppet theater that you can observe the child, his behavior. Because the kid can think of something, speak out, and we adults should still listen to what the child is talking about, what kind of conversations he is talking about.

Shadow theater is an ancient, very spectacular and amazing (especially for children) art form. How to make a screen and "actors" for the shadow theater with your own hands; how to come up with and foresee the most spectacular and surprising moments of the performance; how to involve children in rehearsals and staging shadow theater performances - the answers to all these questions can be easily found in the publications of this thematic section. Here the live experience of teachers in the field of this type of theatrical art is collected, which conceals great opportunities for the all-round development of children.

Shadow play. Mysterious shadows on a magic canvas.

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Do-it-yourself shadow theater - GCD summary. Shadow theater based on the fairy tale "Goby - a tar barrel" in the middle group

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Library of images "MAAM-pictures"


Theater begins in childhood. The shadow theater is the most unusual theater. It arose a long time ago, in ancient China. Here the roles are played not by actors or even by dolls, but by the shadows of actors or dolls. The stage uses a translucent white screen, behind which a powerful spotlight shines, and between ...

Scenario for the shadow theater "Zayushkina izbushka" for the older group Script for the shadow theater for the fairy tale "Zayushkina's hut". Entrance To the music (children stand in a semicircle) Everything can happen in a fairy tale Our fairy tale is ahead. A fairy tale is knocking to visit us, Let's say to a fairy tale - come in! (Hares play in the meadow (exercise to music) Storyteller Hares in the forest ...

Master class for parents "How to create a shadow theater at home" Purpose: disclosure of the value of joint pastime and creativity of children and parents Objectives: 1. To acquaint parents with the types of theater used in kindergarten. Methods for making shadow theater and playing around. 2.To involve parents in making puppets for the shadow ...

Do-it-yourself shadow theater - Shadow theater "Magic world of a fairy tale"

Theatrical activities in kindergarten are the magical world of a fairy tale. By playing the theater, the child reveals his creative potential. It is the theatrical activity that to a greater extent allows to develop the creative abilities of the child. In kindergartens, different types are used ...

Characters: Fox Crane Narrator Narrator The fox made friends with the crane. (The heroes go towards each other, join hands and walk to the edge of the stage) So the fox once decided to treat the crane and invited him to visit her. Fox Ah! I have long dreamed of inviting you to dinner And ...

Shadow theater for children usually means not only a theater with puppets, but also images of animal shadows with the help of hands. Parents can amaze their child with animated pictures on the simplest wall.

Shadow theater history

Shadow theater is an art that originated many centuries ago. The richest and most eminent were fond of him, because the puppets were made by hand from the fine, finely crafted skin of camels. Openwork dolls, animals and birds painted by craftsmen in all colors of the rainbow were expensive.

And only in the 17th century, the French realized that the mystery of the shadow theater, depicting unprecedented figures with their own hands, especially captures children, so this art has spread in just a couple of years in the form of a real role-playing game.

DIY animal shadows

Organizing shadow theater at home is as easy as shelling pears! There is nothing difficult in the shadows of animals, most often just two hands are enough to see a bunny, a dog or a bird.

So how to make shadows with your own hands?

  1. You will need a light wall or any large object covered with a white sheet;
  2. Sunlight or light from a bright lamp should shine directly onto the wall, not from the side;
  3. Approach the wall in such a way that your own shadow does not fall directly on the wall;
  4. Fold your arms as shown in any of the illustrations.

You can also revive the shadows of animals with your own hands! Wiggle your fingers and your bunny will fold its ears and the bird will fly. Teach your child to draw animal shadows, this will develop the baby's motor skills and spatial thinking.

If your children love to listen to fairy tales and play mini-performances in front of you, reading them by roles, give them a magical gift - home shadow theater. With your own hands, you will create a miracle. The design will help children get to know this art in a fun way. Shadow theater contributes to the development of speech activity and fantasy in children. It will be an excellent teaching aid for kindergarten pupils or children of primary school age.

A simple way to make shadow theater with your own hands

The structure can be easily built from scrap materials. For work you will need:

  • black cardboard;
  • cereal box;
  • ordinary scotch tape;
  • double sided tape;
  • glue;
  • scissors.

Take a box and cut two windows in it on both sides. There should be 2 cm wide frames around the windows.

Also cut out figures of trees, silhouette of clouds, sun, birds from black cardboard. Now you need a sheet of white paper. Stick it all on it. Place the sheet in the cereal box. Fix it with glue. Make a 1 cm wide slot in its lower end part. It should be the full length of the box. There will be paper actors.

Now you need to fix the structure. Attach the shadow theater for children with double-sided tape to the edge of a table or stool. The main thing is that there is enough space in the back for the presenters. Place a table lamp in the back, light it and invite the audience.

You can take a much larger box and do the same with it. In order for the structure to have a more neat appearance, it can be painted with gouache or acrylic paints. Sew the wings for her. Shadow theater for children can be used both at home in individual lessons and in groups.

Figurines

Draw the outlines of the actors and decorations on the back of the black cardboard. Cut them out. Glue the tips of wooden skewers to them. Resist the temptation to color your shadow theater figures. Black gives contrast to the screen and the figures are quite visible. Experiment with details, for example, the wings of a butterfly can be cut from a colored plastic folder.

The limbs of the characters can be made mobile. To do this, wrap a thin soft wire around your legs and arms and move them as you perform. Shadow theater stencils can be purchased at the store or drawn by yourself.

For the presentation to be successful, you need to follow some rules:

  • To create crisp shadows, the light from the lamp must fall directly. Do not place the light source very close. The optimal distance is 2-3 meters from the wall.
  • Start playing with simple plays. For a start, two or three characters are enough.
  • Remember: the theater screen must be between the audience and the light source. Be careful not to forget that the lamp tends to get hot. Figures should be positioned between the light source and the screen.
  • The size of the figures during presentation depends on how far or close they are to the screen. To increase the size of the character, move it farther; to reduce - bring it closer.

Shadow theater for professionals

Having made a shadow theater with your own hands and practicing on small productions, I want to complicate the task. To do this, you can increase the number of actors. Sometimes children ask the question: "How to make shadow theater colored?" To do this, use colored light bulbs. For example, for evening scenes - blue, for morning scenes - red, like at dawn. For the production, you can also think over the musical accompaniment.

Script creation and pre-production rehearsals

The first stage is over: you have created a shadow theater with your own hands. Now you need to choose a repertoire. Choose fairy tales for performances according to the age of the children. The guys like to remake good old fairy tales in a new way. You can change heroes, add new characters. For example, you can make a New Year's story out of the "Turnip" fairy tale. For example, instead of a vegetable, forest dwellers planted a Christmas tree. They could not pull it out. Decorated and began to celebrate the New Year.

If you want to show the performance to your friends or grandparents, then you should rehearse it several times in advance. The roles must be learned by heart, since it will be difficult to read from a piece of paper in the dark. If the guys like the game, then expand it by making a real screen, programs, tickets. Have an intermission with real snacks.