Directions for finger puppets
This art project can be done after the teacher has read and discussed the poems on good/bad characters and has asked some QAR questions. Another fun activity would be to have the students volunteer to make faces and see if the others can guess which character it is. Depending on the age of the students, you may or may not, want to draw some circles on the board and then you (or they) draw features to show certain emotions.
Finger Puppets: If this is a class project, run off the pattern on colored sheets; cut the puppets into squares; so you will have enough to give each student each color. I recommend giving out one color at a time to avoid overload. Have the students cut out each puppet, put their initials and the puppet’s name on the back of the puppet pieces. Have the following supplies on hand – scissors, craft glue, craft sticks, colored paper, small stickers, small googly eyes, pieces of yarn for eyes, and small markers (glitter, pompons, other scraps).
There are a few ideas on how to attach the puppets:
· Have them glue the puppet pieces onto craft sticks.
· Provide small strips of paper to wrap around the child’s finger and attach it to the puppet to make the finger puppet.
· Another idea is to take an old glove and put Velcro pieces on the pad of the fingers. The opposing pads of Velcro can be put on the backs of the puppets for easy attachment and removal. If you make two “monkey mitts” one hand can be the “good” puppets and the other the “bad” puppets. The pattern may need to be reduced so they fit the puppet mitt. This is a site with more ideas on monkey mitts: http://www.marilynkinsella.org/Puppetry/making_a_monkey_mitt.htm
· Or, attach the puppets to cylinders of paper that can wrap around the student’s entire finger. Then glue the puppet pieces to the cylinders.
For sturdier puppets made from paper – laminate the paper or use a heavier weight of paper. These puppets can also be made using colored foam from the craft store.
These puppets can also be run off on white paper, and you can let the students color the puppet. This can get a bit messy depending on the ages of the students.
Not every student has to make every puppet. As you re-read the poems have the students raise the appropriate puppet.
Suggested Poems - by Phyllis Hostmeyer
Rude Red – Respectful Red
I’d like you meet Rude Red.
When I see him coming, I’m filled with dread.
He makes fun of people and calls them names.
He’s rude and mean; it’s such a shame.
He never helps put things away.
“Get out of my way,” is what he’ll say.
He laughs out loud if someone trips or falls.
He pushes and shoves when he walks the halls.
It’s tough to like Rude Red.
Who should we try to be instead?
I’d like you to meet Respectful Red.
He’s kind to all, I’ve heard it said.
He says please and thank you to everyone.
Or “Excuse me,” if he walks in front of someone.
He’ll greet you with a smile and a great big, “Hi.”
He doesn’t push and shove when he walks by.
He offers to help if you need a hand.
Respectful Red is the greatest guy in the land.
Tardy Tan - Timely Tan
Everyone is waiting but Tardy Tan is late.
He’s Tardy again, making everyone wait.
The bus is waiting and beeping its horn
But Tardy Tan slept too late this morn.
He dawdles and gawks and plays around
His shoes and bookbag cannot be found.
It’s tough to like a Tardy Tan
But he doesn’t seem to understand.
Timely Tan won’t make you wait.
He shows up on time; now isn’t that great.
He’s at the stop as the bus comes near.
He’s not over there when he should be here.
He puts things away so he can find them fast.
That’s why he never shows up last.
Here’s a fact you should understand
Everyone likes a Timely Tan.
Pushy Purple - Patient Purple
She’s pushing and shoving to be first in line.
That’s Pushy Purple; no friend of mine.
She shoves others aside when she wants a treat.
She’s the first to jump up and run from her seat.
She shoves people aside wherever she goes
No one likes that; you’d think she would know.
A Purple who Pushes is tough to like.
So let’s talk about a friendlier tyke.
Here’s Patient Purple, a likeable lass.
She waits her turn with the rest of the class.
She won’t push and shove if things go too slow.
And won’t wiggle ahead but stays in her row.
She waits for the teacher to call out her name.
And roots for others when playing a game.
Patient Purple has friends galore.
And practicing patience will win her some more.
Greedy Green – Generous Green
He grabs the best markers and all of the treats.
He’s called Greedy Green, a terrible beast.
You can hear him yell, “Gimme, gimme, gimme right now.”
This kind of behavior should not be allowed.
I don’t like to be near that kid Greedy Green.
So let’s meet someone who is never that mean.
He gave me some markers and shared paper too.
He’s Generous Green; he knows what to do.
He shares what he can and offers a smile
He knows that sharing is really worthwhile.
And when he needs something, we’re willing to share
Cause Generous Green treats us all fair.
Bossy Blue -- BFF Blue
Bossy Blue will always say,
“You have to play the game my way.”
“You can’t sit here; you can’t sit there.”
Bossy Blue just loves to blare.
She thinks she always knows what’s best
And bosses me and all the rest.
Bossy Blue is no one’s friend
Her bossy ways have got to end.
BFF Blue, my best friend forever
Treats everyone kind and bosses never.
She smiles and asks, “Would you like to sit by me?”
She is easy to like as you can see.
She does not boss or demand horrible things.
She doesn’t use words that hurt or sting.
Be nice like Blue and you’ll have friends.
She’ll be my BFF till all time ends.
Pessimist Pink - Optimist Orange
“I’ll bet it rains and they’ll cancel our trip.”
That’s Pessimist Pink and her pouty lip.
“I know I’ll lose the game if I play.
Today is just a horrible day.”
She complains and whines all of the time
Growling and grumbling is her paradigm. (or....she thinks is just fine)
Who wants to be friends with someone so glum?
I know someone else who’s a much better chum.
Meet Optimist Orange, she’s happy and bright.
She fills all our days with joy and delight.
She tries to win and hopes for the best.
She’ll cheer for her team when put to the test.
She always works hard and hopes to succeed.
Helping others is her good deed.
I love to see her smiling face.
Optimist Orange makes the world a happy place.
Yelling Yellow – Mellow Yellow
I need help and I need it now.
Yelling Yellow will scream and howl.
He bellows and shouts till our ears all hurt.
He can’t speak quietly; he’ll scream and blurt.
He hollers and yells at the top of his voice.
If he’d just be quiet we’d all rejoice.
Who wants to be near this screaming guy?
Let’s give someone else a friendly hi.
Meet Mellow Yellow a real nice boy.
His quiet voice will not annoy.
He knows how to use an inside voice.
Yelling and screaming is not his choice.
Our brains don’t hurt when he talks with us.
He’s mellow in school and on the bus.
I like being friends with Mellow Yellow.
He’s quiet and calm; a real nice fellow.
