The ChallengeNursery rhymes may seem like they are just for fun. Actually, nursery rhymes are powerful and even historical! So the next time you say “Hey diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle,” just remember that you are laying the foundation for literacy! For this challenge, bring your favourite stories and nursery rhymes to life by making your own shadow puppets. Grab a flashlight, turn off the lights, and get ready to bring creativity to storytelling in a unique way!

Supplies

• HP DeskJet 3700 Printer• Shadow puppet printables (provided with this challenge)• Portable light source (torch light)• Paper straws, pencils, or wooden craft dowels• Black card stock• White card stock• Craft knife or scissors• Glue stick or spray adhesive• Tape

Step 2Use spray adhesive or a

glue stick to attach a sheet of black card stock to the back of

each template.

Step 3Cut out the

shapes.

Step 4Attach a handle of your choice (paper straws,

pencils or wooden craft dowels) to the back of each shadow puppet using a small piece of

tape.

Step 5It’s time to set up

the lights and start the show!

CHALLENGE

Step 1Print the shadow

puppets provided in this challenge on white or

light-colored card stock.

Challenge 3: Behind the Shadows

SHADOW PUPPETSWhat are Shadow Puppets?

Shadow puppets are figures that are placed between a light and a screen. Moving them creates the illusion of moving images on the screen. An experienced puppeteer can make figures appear

to walk, talk, fight and dance. Shadow puppetry is a popular form of entertainment in countries all over the world. In Malaysia, shadow puppet or ‘Wayang Kulit’ is a form of

traditional theatre popular in the East Coast, namely Kelantan.

Science of ShadowLight travels in straight lines. When light reaches an object, it can travel through the object if the object is transparent. It can be reflected from a shiny object or

light can be absorbed if the object is opaque. Shadows are produced when light hits an opaque object which

prevents the light beams from passing through. When an object blocks the light’s path, then darkness appears

on the other side. This darkness is called a shadow.

How it WorksShadow puppets are usually constructed in

separate pieces that are then put together with strings or wires. The strings or wires are usually

attached to long rods that the puppeteer will use to control the movement of the puppet.

Behind the Shadows - Hey Diddle, Diddle Printables

CHALLENGEChallenge 3Behind the Shadows