February is a month jam packed full of celebrations! Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Groundhogs Day, but it is also the month we celebrate the birthdays of two of this countries amazing presidents; Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. With a few craft supplies you will be able to whip up these fun puppets to teach your children about Abe and George and the impact these men had on our country.

Supplies:

▪   Two wooden spoons

▪   Small white pom poms

▪   Google eyes

▪   Small red pom poms

▪   Black craft foam

▪   Black felt

▪   Brown felt

▪   Scissors or pinking shears

▪   Tacky or white glue

▪   Black marker

Directions:

1. Cut a basic shirt shape from each color of felt.
2. Glue the brown shirt shape to one wooden spoon handle just below the round part of the spoon. Repeat this process with the black shirt shape.
3. Locate the wooden spoon with the brown shirt shape. Glue the small white pom poms to the top of the spoon to create George Washington’s hair. Add two google eyes, a red pom pom nose, and draw a mouth with the black marker.
4. Locate the wooden spoon with the black shirt. Create Abe Lincoln’s top hat by cutting a hat shape from the black craft foam.  Glue the hat to the top of the wooden spoon. Add google eyes, a red pom pom nose, and draw a mouth shape with the black marker.  To create Abe’s beard cut a small triangle from the black craft foam and then cut slits in the triangle. Glue the beard to the wooden spoon just below the mouth.
5. Allow your puppets to dry and then put on a puppet show!

You can create a puppet theatre out of an old box or by hanging a curtain in a doorway. Research facts about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington on the Internet, and have your children role play what they think they would say to each other. This is a fun and interactive way for your children to learn about our country’s history!

Happy President’s Day!