Target Language: Spanish, but can be adapted to any language with white correction pen.
Suggested Grade Level: middle primary
Goal(s):
Name major parts of the body and face.
Express gender with proper suffix
Learning Objective(s):
Construct marionette with labeled body parts
Manipulate marionette to show particular body parts
Sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” in Spanish or “Alouette” in French or other target language song and manipulate marionette
Materials/Resources:
assortment of multicultural heads of children for marionette copied on medium oaktag (Be sure to enlarge pattern to fit 9x12 paper) on right
sheet of body parts enlarged/copied on medium oaktag ; use correction pen to cover to make plain or draw another mascot or insert school logo
paper fasteners (four per marionette)
stapler
crayons or colored pencils
pencils
hole punch
12” lengths of colored yarn
Activity/reading & writing folders for each child for storage of materials between classes
Body parts chart for reference
Procedure for Teaching:
Review target language body parts chart.and
song
Class sings and does TPR movements to point out particular body part.
Teacher shows completed marionette and sings song, manipulating marionette for each body part.
Teacher points to body parts on the marionette and asks class to identify each. (Construct one that is extra-large in size if possible for better viewing.)
Children help teacher pass out all materials which are stored in world language folder.
Teacher demonstrates how to assemble marionette.
Children choose own face from variety of multicultural offerings.
Children cut out and color body parts first while teacher calls up children in groups of two or three to choose head for marionette.
Teacher circulates to punch holes in cut-out body parts.
Students assemble puppets.
Teacher staples head to marionette.
Students sing song with marionette in front of class, manipulating puppets.
Note: Extra adult helpers would be necessary, depending on the grade level of the students.
Assessment: Teacher questions children about names of body parts while circulating in class during cutting/coloring time.
Optional Extension for High-Achievers: Make a pet marionette for his/her companion, labeling body parts there, introducing the target language term for animal feet if different from human feet. Example in Spanish – “patas.”
Home & School Connection: Children teach body part vocabulary in target language to family members.
See my Art Projects page for classroom management suggestions to make this activity go smoothly. And Body Parts will be helpful in teaching as well.
