Puppet Theater Makerspace

School:: Golden Terrace Elementary
Subject:: Other
Teacher:: Joyce Cordell
Students Impacted:: 300
Grade:: 2
Date:: September 3, 2017

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Harlan & Heather Dam - $240.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 270

At first, our first and second grade students visited all of our other Makerspaces but didn't seem overly intetested in the puppet theater. However, once they got started and saw others having fun, it became one of the favorites! Both girls and boys love to make up stories and perform shows. Usually they want an audience which gives me a chance to talk to them about characters, events, and conflict, those things that makes an interesting story/show. I love when I hear them working together to come up with ideas. I encourage them to bring in stories they have written to use with the puppets. The puppet theater has added a whole different creative arts maker space to our library. Instead of using art supplies or coloring something, students really have to think creatively, use their imagination, and work together. The puppet theater has been a great addition to our library maker spaces!

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

My goal is to spark creative thinking by adding a puppet theater to our Media Center Art Makerspace to promote imaginative and dramatic play.

What will be done with my students

First and second grade students who visit the media center spend time at stations designated as "Makerspaces". Each space houses a variety of supplies and building materials that encourage creativity and critical thinking. The activities are focused on STEAM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). This year there is a major focus on the A (Arts). Although art supplies are available in our Makerspaces, I wanted to diversify and add something different, a puppet theater! By using a variety of puppets, students will participate in the dramatic arts by creating and acting out plays and retelling stories. As the media specialist, I will facilitate and guide the puppeteers as needed.

Benefits to my students

Research has shown the importance of integrating the arts into STEM education. The arts drive innovation and creativity. A puppet theater would motivate and inspire our students to think creatively. Students will work together to plan puppet shows and write dialogue. In addition, puppets will give our limited English speaking students a nonthreatening way to communicate and practice oral language skills.

Budget Narrative

Funds requested are for the purchase of a heavy duty, free standing, puppet theater and a variety of hand puppets and small props.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	Free Standing Puppet Theater	$175.00
2	Puppets and Props	$65.00
	Total:	$240.00

Please share this page to help in fulfilling this grant.