Learning can be fun!
Learning about culture is one of the many ways you can help broaden your child’s horizon. Filling up his mind with the rich traditions of other countries can be both rewarding and enriching for you and your child. So why not incorporate a little bit of culture in your kid’s Arts and Crafts activities? Prepare to have fun while picking up a thing or two about the culture of other countries with these two easy to-do crafts!
PUPPETS R US!
Wayang Kulits, or shadow puppets, are very popular in Indonesia, specifically in Java and Bali. The puppets are made of leather construction and are carefully chiseled with very fine tools.
The stories they dramatize are the very things that make these puppets rich in culture. And the intricate craftsmanship reflects the Indonesians love for their heritage. In fact, UNESCO recently hailed Wayang Kulit as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Pass on to your child the appreciation for this art by making one today! And while you’re at it, why not encourage him to make a story, too! Who knows, you and your child might just be able to create a full-blown puppet show for the entire neighborhood! To make a tube puppet follow these steps:
Gather these materials: toilet tissue tube, popsicle sticks, glue, pair of scissors, construction paper, misc. craft supplies like felt paper, buttons, yarn, moving eyes)
STEP 2:
Using the misc. craft supplies let your child decorate the cardboard toilet tissue tube to make different people or animals. For example, he can color the tube orange so it can represent a tiger. Then he can draw horizontal lines for the tiger’s body. You can cut out tiger ears and whiskers so your child can paste it on the upper portion of the tissue tube. Then add eyes and mouth to form the face. Or you and your child can make little versions of yourselves through these puppets. Using felt and colored paper, cut out little ears, hair, clothes for the puppets. Then let your child decorate the puppets by gluing the different cut outs on the tube rolls.
STEP 3:
Glue the Popsicle sticks inside the bottom edge of the cardboard roll for handle.
Not only will this activity nurture a special moment with your child, it also encourages your child’s creativity to flow. So enjoy and have fun and let your imaginations run wild!
