Hey there! I hope your weekend was awesome — I know mine was.
On today’s agenda we explored puppets, the modes, methods, materials, and more. It’s something I have absolutely no experience in and have never necessarily been interested in. So, when Barrington began with that, I wasn’t sure how to feel but, I like to think of myself as pretty open minded so I went with it. Suddenly, I became pretty interested in what was being talked about and even excited to start my own.
I started with sketching and brainstorming key attributes that make me, ME. Thinking about my hair, earrings, style, etc. in order to make my puppet look identifiable to me. I’m even going to give my puppet roller skates — a sport/activity I’ve done since I was a kid. Because I could relate this assignment to my own interests and niches I think it made me more attached to the idea and made the project more relevant. Which is why I think it’s a great seed for lesson ideas. Speaking of which, let’s see what I whipped up this week;
LESSON CONCEPT #1
The Habit Machine
1. Assignment Connection
Puppet Building: Doppelgänger Self-Portrait
2. Key Question
What everyday behaviors reveal who we are?
3. Primary Understanding & Learning Goals
Students will understand that identity is communicated not only through appearance but through repeated actions, gestures, habits, and routines.
Students will investigate how small behaviors can become forms of self-portraiture.
4. Technical Objectives
Students will:
- Observe and document personal habits.
- Identify a repetitive gesture that reflects part of their identity.
- Design and build a simple puppet or kinetic object that performs that behavior.
- Present a short performance demonstrating the gesture.
5. Materials, Equipment, & Tools
- Cardboard
- Wire
- Hot glue
- Fabric scraps
- Dowels
- Found materials
6. Sequence of Activities
Day 1: Identify and sketch personal habits and gestures.
Day 2: Design a puppet centered around one behavior.
Day 3-4: Construct puppet.
Day 5: Perform and discuss how behavior communicates identity.
7. Formative Assessment
- Behavior sketches
- Design plans
- Puppet prototypes
- Reflection on chosen gesture
8. Artists
- Jim Henson
- William Kentridge
- Paul Klee
LESSON CONCEPT #2
The Alter Ego
1. Assignment Connection
Puppet Building: Doppelgänger Self-Portrait
2. Key Question
Which parts of ourselves are hidden, exaggerated, or performed?
3. Primary Understanding & Learning Goals
Students will understand that identity is layered and that people often present different versions of themselves depending on context.
Students will investigate the concept of the doppelgänger as an alternative, exaggerated, or hidden self.
4. Technical Objectives
Students will:
- Identify aspects of their identity that are visible or hidden.
- Develop a character based on an amplified version of themselves.
- Build a puppet representing that character.
- Create a short performance exploring the relationship between self and alter ego.
5. Materials, Equipment, & Tools
- Cardboard
- Fabric
- Paint
- Found materials
- Hot glue
- Wire
6. Sequence of Activities
Day 1: Explore examples of alter egos and character identities.
Day 2: Develop character concepts and sketches.
Day 3-4: Build puppets.
Day 5: Perform short scenes and discuss identity construction.
7. Formative Assessment
- Character sketches
- Written character profiles
- Peer feedback
- Performance rehearsal
8. Artists
- Nick Cave
- Cindy Sherman
- Jim Henson
LESSON CONCEPT #3
Self-Portrait Without a Face
1. Assignment Connection
Identity & Contemporary Self-Portrait Unit
2. Key Question
How abstract can a self-portrait become while still representing a person?
3. Primary Understanding & Learning Goals
Students will understand that self-portraiture does not require physical resemblance.
Students will investigate how objects, colors, materials, movement, and symbols can communicate identity.
Students will consider how abstraction can reveal aspects of the self that realism cannot.
4. Technical Objectives
Students will:
- Identify symbols, materials, and movements connected to their identity.
- Design an abstract puppet or animated object.
- Create a short performance using movement rather than dialogue.
- Reflect on how abstraction communicates meaning.
5. Materials, Equipment, & Tools
- Mixed media materials
- Fabric
- Found objects
- Cardboard
- String
- Wire
6. Sequence of Activities
Day 1: Analyze abstract and symbolic self-portraits.
Day 2: Develop symbolic representations of personal identity.
Day 3-4: Build abstract puppets.
Day 5: Present movement-based performances.
7. Formative Assessment
- Symbol brainstorming
- Design sketches
- Prototype critiques
- Reflection writing
8. Artists
- Paul Klee
- Louise Bourgeois
- Nick Cave