The library and homeschoolers

I think one of the best resources for my homeschool has been the public library! That continues to be true with all of their summer programs for children and adults.

Last week we had the opportunity to see a real puppet show by a genuine puppet master!

To the delight of all, they presented “Rumplestiltskin!”

These particular puppets are over 40 years old and were all hand carved. Their voices were pre-recorded, but the puppet master added bits of humor throughout the play. His whistling of “Hail to the Chief” when the king entered made me giggle, and the puppet master popped his head around to say “Thank you!” I don’t think the kids got it, but it was funny. He said that when he is in an outdoor setting sometimes he has to do all of the voices himself and he gave an impressive demonstration.

The sets were handpainted and are over 40 years old as well.

After the show, the puppet master took the kids back stage to show them how to handle the puppets and some of his puppet secrets. For example, the Miller’s daughter was really two puppets, one as the young Miller’s daughter, and one as the new queen with a baby. Rumplestiltskin was two puppets as well with the second puppet being able to fall completely apart because he got so mad!!

It was just the right length too. All together it took about an hour for the program and the questions and answers. Afterwards the kids checked out some of the books, (particularly the fair tails and legends) and puzzles and just generally enjoyed the nice air conditioning before we came home!

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Related Tags: homeschooling, puppets, library, summer

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