Nature in Dramatics 65 



The center of the stage should be covered with grass in which there are 

 no stones or sticks so that the players can perform in their bare feet. If the 

 plot is not already covered with grass it can be sodded by getting the grass 

 elsewhere. Consult a landscape gardener and find out how to do it. 



PUPPET SHOWS 



Insect Puppets 



No puppet show is more appropriate for the out-of-doors than one that 

 has insects for its characters, especially if a hornet or a mosquito can be in- 

 cluded! The show, of course, is intended to be educational as well as enter- 

 taining and the stage should be placed in a central place where groups like 

 to congregate. 



The puppets themselves are small and are best used by children to tell 

 their friends new facts they have discovered about insects. Think how ex- 

 citing it would be for a group to observe an ant hill or overturn a rock 

 where the insects have hidden, then write the story and present it to its 

 friends! Themes such as "How the Katy-Dids Sing," or "Ants and Their 

 Cows" are excellent for plays and the children like to write them them- 

 selves. Decoration of the stage and the making of the scenery also becomes 

 a part of their education as the insects should be shown in their natural 

 setting and feed oh the plants on which they are found. 



The puppets described are made of plastic wood and are intended for 

 permanent use where a group is interested in completing a whole family of 

 insects. Temporary ones can be made from mud or paper mash, if they 

 are to be used on only one or two occasions. Effective ones can also be done 

 by using dried fruits such as prunes and apricots, making the legs and 

 antennae of pipe cleaners. 



DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING THE PUPPETS 



Material: i. Wire; 2. Pipe cleaners; 3. Plastic 

 wood; 4. Possibly oiled silk. 



Construction: A. First draw the pattern of the in- 

 sect you wish to model. Note that most insects are 

 divided into three sections: 



i. Head which contains eyes, mouth and an- 

 tennae. 



2. Thorax, the part containing the legs (always 3 pairs) and the wings. 



3. The abdomen (no appendages). 



