Module 3d of “Using the Arts to Create Joy & Connection”
Performance/Puppetry: Knuckle Bopper Puppets
Please watch the video above. The text below, is the written version of what you’ll see and hear in the video.
Knuckle Boppers are a fun way to introduce puppets as a way to connect, communicate, problem-solve, tell stories & be playful. All you need are:
• Pipe cleaners (1 per knuckle bopper if you want funny “antennae” or ½ pipe cleaner for a more conventional type of character)
• A way to make eyes - we’ll be using small styrofoam balls as the base of the eye, but the options are unlimited for adding detail to the eyeball. Good basic ideas include:
• googly eyes
• buttons
• markers
• felt
• Glue dots as a way to attach googly eyes, buttons or felt. They are available at art & craft stores such as Michaels. You’ll get a lot of use out of your box of glue dots. They’re strong, instant & eliminate the need for a hot glue gun for most things. You don’t have to worry about anyone getting burnt or finding an electrical outlet for the cord. If you don’t have glue dots, you can use a glue gun or craft glue. The problem with those 2 options however, is the glue gun can present a safety hazard for elderly seniors & it takes some of the control away from them in making something that is uniquely theirs. Craft glue takes a while to dry and you’re not able to use your knuckle bopper puppet right away.
• (Optional) Other embellishments might include loose feathers, a small artificial flower or leaf, peel & stick “jewels” - what ever you want to add personality to your little puppet.
Let’s take a look at how to use all this fun stuff! These are the steps for a very basic knuckle bopper.
Cut a piece of pipe cleaner to about 2 ½ inches. Scissors work fine for the cutting - but maybe not your best sewing scissors.
Poke the pipe cleaner into one small styrofoam ball at each end. Either use a marker to draw on the iris & pupil part of the eye, or use glue dots (or other gluing options) to stick a googly on each of the styrofoam balls or use whatever else appeals to you for the eyes (buttons, felt, etc.)
For a more “dressed up” character, add feathers, antennae, flower, or whatever appeals to you!
Once your knuckle boppers are made, see what conversation comes up
• between you and your knuckle bopper,
• your knuckle bopper and your loved one or client’s knuckle bopper and/or
• between your knuckle bopper and your loved one or client.
It’s a great opportunity to get to know more about your loved one or client’s
• personal stories
• feelings about their quality of life (and then use the knuckle boppers to help problem-solve)
• ideas about future activities, and just to have some improvised fun & playfulness! Try out some jokes or songs or silly theatre.
Knuckle Boppers are also great listeners and simply listening to what your loved one has on their mind can be the best “activity” of all. One of the things that’s kind of magical about puppets is how safe most people feel about communicating with the puppet, rather than a person. To learn more about this and other free puppet resources check out other free resources by clicking on the button below!
