Let’s throw a parade in our honor. We deserve it, don’t we? The homeschooling, the working from home, the socially distant Zoom birthday parties, and constant hand washing—we are all something to celebrate.
Trouble is, who do we celebrate with?
Today’s at home activity is all about making your own crowd. Gather some puppets, stuffies, and toys— and throw yourselves a parade.
We know you’ve earned it.
Puppet Parade
Benefits:
Gross motor movement
Play
Creativity and imagination
Oral language and communication
Self-confidence and self-expression
Empathy and expression of emotion
Kids will:
Use their stuffed animals, toys, family members at home, and furry four-legged friends to parade around their home gleefully
What you will need:
Stuffed animals
Toys
Costuming materials
Family members
Crafting materials you might have to dress up participants!
How to:
Pick a theme to celebrate. Is it the first day of a new month? Perhaps Teddy Bear’s birthday?
If you’re feeling fancy, dress up and decorate the dolls and toys based on your theme.
Get out an instrument (clapping always works) or choose your song to march. You can march along holding your puppets, or if you’re feeling ambitious, try the marionette technique.
Does your parade have any audience members? Is there a way to create a float with the materials you have at home or pull some along behind in a toy vehicle?
For a different twist: Try hosting a puppet dance party—don't forget to let everyone (including Teddy) pick out a favorite dance song!