Metaphysics, Epistemology and Preschoolers……
Help your preschooler learn about the philosophical themes of a story by creating a play
based on your children’s book. In this activity you'll have the child create stick puppet
characters and a simple setting. Then the child will arrange the creations and act out the
plot.
What You Need:
Heavy paper or light-colored, lightweight cardboard
Crayons
Scissors
Glue
Craft sticks
Clothespins
Towel or tablecloth
What You Do:
1) Read and discuss this book with your child. Did your child like the book? Why or why
not? What was your child’s favorite part of the book? RECORD your child’s responses.
2) Help your child make a puppet for each character. You should have drawn/printed out
the outline of the characters. The child should use the crayons to color in the characters
and attach them to the cardboard. Cut around each character for your child.
3) Glue each one onto a craft stick to make a stick puppet. Use the clothespins, as needed,
to clamp the craft sticks onto the paper while the glue dries.
4) While your young puppeteer waits for the glue to dry, talk about the theme of the
story. What did the child learn about reality or knowledge? RECORD your child’s
responses to your questions.
5) Now it's time to recreate the story. The events that he/she acts out make up the story
plot. If he/she isn’t sure where to start, suggest the opening line of the story. RECORD
the ideas your child introduces.
6) Once he/she has re-enacted the story, ask your child how he/she would solve the
problem if he/she were writing the story. RECORD your child’s responses.
Metaphysics, Epistemology and Preschoolers
Scoring Guide
You were prepared to create a puppet show with your preschooler. This includes having pictures
ready to color and necessary materials. You interacted positively with student in a way the student
could understand the story.
1
2
3
4
5
RECORD your child’s responses. Explanation of whether student enjoyed the book and why or why
not is clear. Clear statement of child’s favorite parts of the book.
1
2
3
4
5
Responses of what your child learned about knowledge and/or reality is clearly stated.
1
2
3
4
5
Responses of how your child recreated the story is clearly stated.
1
2
3
4
5
Responses of how your child would solve the problem if he/she were writing the story was clearly
related.
1
2
3
4
5
TOTAL SCORE _____________________ of 25 points
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