Donkey Hodie and her pals in Someplace Else work hard to overcome obstacles. Whenever Donkey faces a challenge, she thinks about solutions and tries them out. Work with your child to create a puppet friend to help them as they face challenges or fears, and solve problems!
Puppet play can help your child to use their imagination, be silly and problem solve. They can learn to face fears and challenges by talking through creative solutions with their puppet. Puppet play can also boost confidence and communication skills, as well as improve their fine motor skills. Sometimes using a puppet can make it easier for children to say what they are thinking or feeling.
Donkey Hodie and her pals in Someplace Else work to solve problems and overcome obstacles together — all while having fun! In this activity, create a Donkey Hodie puppet with your child to help them practice solving problems. When they face a challenge, encourage them to use their puppet. For example, they can ask for help through their puppet, or act out how Donkey Hodie is resilient when facing disappointment or failure. Talking about times of disappointment and failure can be a kind of rehearsal for times when your child may face something challenging.
Materials
Directions
1
Using colorful paper, help your child draw and cut out a large circle and two donkey ears. They may find it easier to trace the circles using the lid of a jar.
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2
Glue the ears and the large circle to the bottom of the paper bag to create Donkey Hodie’s face.
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3
Using the same color paper, trace and cut out a rectangle shape with rounded corners for Donkey Hodie’s body. Glue that shape to the front of the paper bag.
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4
Using the same color, trace a smaller circle and cut it in half. Glue one half to the top flap of the bag and the other half underneath to make Donkey Hodie’s mouth.
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5
Cut out two 4” rectangular legs. Color one end a different color to make Donkey Hodie’s hoof.
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6
Using a different color, make Donkey Hodie’s mane. Cut out a 4” rectangle, fold ¼ of the long side down, and add a fringe to the other side. You may need to help your child cut and glue it to the back of their paper bag.
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7
With the same color paper, draw a teardrop shape and add some fringe cuts to the end. Your child can glue this piece in between the ears.
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8
With a different color paper, cut out two ovals for eyes and let your child use a marker to color in an iris. They can also add three eyelash lines to each eye.
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9
Invite your child to find creative solutions to challenges they face by talking and playing with their puppet. Ask reflective questions that will allow your child to take the lead in play, such as, “How would Donkey Hodie solve this problem? Let’s ask her what she would do.”
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Don’t have a paper bag handy? Your child can also use an old sock or mitten to create a Donkey Hodie puppet or another Someplace Else pal. Imagination is key! Create eyes, ears, hair, and a mouth using felt, buttons, or even fabric from old shirts.
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Explore More
What other Someplace Else pals can you make? Your child can use their colorful paper to create Duck Duck. Instead of a small circle for a mouth, cut out an upper and lower beak. Create wings instead of arms, and cut small strips of paper to mimic feathers for her hair.
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