Measuring Spoon Puppets: A simple, kid-friendly way to do Bible storytelling with puppets for 4–7 year-olds.
Quick value: children will practice listening, learn simple Bible people and a short memory verse while having fun making and using a puppet.
Time: 15–25 minutes. Group size: 1–20 children (perfect for a small class or family activity). Ready to make a puppet and tell a story? Scroll to the materials and steps below to get started.
I love puppets! If you’re new to puppetry, measuring spoon puppets are the perfect starter puppet: simple to make, easy for little hands, and ideal for telling short scripture stories and Bible stories to preschool and early elementary children.
Materials (quick list)
- Measuring spoons (or wooden spoons) — one per child (dollar stores often sell sets of five)
- Cardstock or paper pictures of Bible people (optional), glue, tape or craft glue
- Yarn, felt, markers, googly eyes (ensure these are glued on securely for safety)
- Clear tape or lamination for durability; scissors and a marker
Why this works (learning objective)
- Listening & participation: children follow the story and raise their puppet when their character appears.
- People and roles: children learn simple Bible people names and actions (great for early learners).
- Memory & faith: pair each puppet story with a short memory verse to help hide God’s Word in their hearts.
Step-by-step making (times)
- Buy spoons: 5–10 minutes to pick up a set at a dollar or craft store.
- Decorate: 5–10 minutes per spoon — glue on cardstock faces or draw features, add yarn or felt hair, and cut simple paper clothes to glue on the front. Laminate or cover with clear tape for durability (works well for classroom use and programs).
- Alternate: If your school or class can’t buy spoons, cut cardboard or paper spoon shapes and attach to popsicle sticks — same idea, lower cost.
Durability & safety tips
- Glue googly eyes and small items securely; consider printed cardstock faces glued and laminated for a safer, long-lasting puppet.
- Check for choking hazards if younger siblings will handle the puppets; supervise craft time.
- Store puppets in a labeled bag or box so they last through multiple story sessions and Sunday school programs.
Resources & extensions
- Printable templates: consider making a simple paper template for faces and clothes (paper or cardstock) so volunteers and parents can reproduce consistent puppet people.
- Picture sources: look for public-domain or church-friendly images of Bible people to print on cardstock for quick assembly.
- Use these puppets again: as props for other lessons, small-group activities, or a puppet parade at the end of class.
Now it’s Bible story time — a simple, active way to use your puppets with preschool and early elementary children.
How to run this (quick checklist)
- Pre-read the chosen Bible story and pick the main characters (see recommended stories below).
- Assign parts so every child has a role — extras can be “townspeople” or sheep, crowds, etc.
- Do a 1–2 minute rehearsal: practice raising the puppet when the character appears and saying a single short line if appropriate.
- Read or tell the scripture story slowly; pause so children can raise their puppet when their character comes on stage.
- Finish with a short memory verse and a one-sentence prayer connecting the story to kids’ lives.
Suggested short stories (age-appropriate)
- Jesus Blesses the Children — Mark 10:13–16 (great for simple roles: Jesus, children, parents)
- The Lost Sheep — Luke 15:3–7 (shepherd, lost sheep, sheepfold, townspeople)
- The Good Samaritan — Luke 10:25–37 (traveler, robbers, Samaritan, innkeeper)
Behavior & classroom tips
- Adult ratio: aim for one adult helper per 6–8 children to keep things calm and focused.
- Seating: circle or semi-circle so all kids can see and raise puppets easily.
- Engagement: give “townspeople” simple actions (clap, say “amen,” or sway) so they stay involved.
Sample short scripts (two-line prompts)
- Jesus (puppet): “Come, little ones.” — Child raises puppet and says the line when prompted.
- Shepherd: “I will find my sheep!” — Shepherd puppet appears where the lost sheep puppet raises.
- Samaritan: “I will help him.” — Use this to model kindness and discuss the lesson afterward.
Create a Spoon Puppet Family
Here is one more sweet idea for using your spoon puppets. Create a spoon puppet family! Include Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother, and Baby.
Once you have your family created, sing this sweet “piggy back” song to the tune of “Buffalo Gals.” It goes like this:
When Jesus lives in Mommy’s heart, Mommy’s heart, Mommy’s heart When Jesus lives in Mommy’s heart — Happy is the home!
Sing the song again replacing each family member’s name in the song. Then close with a short, age-appropriate reflection or prayer.
Here is a downloadable version of this song:
“Happy is the Home” in mp3 file format:
To listen to the song, left click on the title button below.
To save the song, right click on the title button below.
“Happy is the Home” mp3 download
Apply at home: encourage parents to sing the puppet song around the dinner table or use the puppet at bedtime to retell the story — a quick, practical way to reinforce the lesson and build family faith routines.
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“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood be all the glory and the power forever. Amen!”
Revelation 1:5-6
Create a spoon puppet family! Include Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother, and Baby.
Once you have your family created, sing this sweet “piggy back” song to the tune of “Buffalo Gals.” It goes like this:
When Jesus lives in Mommy’s heart, Mommy’s heart, Mommy’s heart When Jesus lives in Mommy’s heart — Happy is the home!