The Carnival of the Animals – Finger Puppets with Pocket and Backdrop

The Carnival of the Animals – Finger Puppets with Pocket and Backdrop

Printable Craft Activity for Music and Storytelling

This printable teaching resource is designed to accompany the famous classical suite “The Carnival of the Animals” by Camille Saint-Saëns. It supports active music listening, storytelling, and fine motor skills through an engaging and creative craft activity.

Students use the materials to create their own finger puppets representing the animals in the music. The puppets are available in two formats: color (ready to use) and black and white (to be colored by the students). This gives teachers flexibility in how the activity is used — either as a quick ready-made option or as a longer art-based project.

In addition to the puppets, the download includes a foldable backdrop that can be used to build a simple tabletop puppet theater. There is also a pocket template that can be cut, folded, and glued into a notebook or folder. This helps students store their puppets and backdrop in one place, making the resource reusable across multiple lessons.

Teaching ideas are included in the download. These explain how the puppets can be used in a variety of music activities. For example, students can move their puppets to interpret rhythm and dynamics, act out short scenes based on the music, or even invent their own stories connected to the characters.

This resource is easy to differentiate and works well in different classroom settings. It supports creative expression, listening comprehension, and collaborative learning. Students can work alone, in pairs, or in groups to act out scenes while the music plays in the background. It can also be used for cross-curricular lessons, combining music, art, and language.

What’s included:

• Finger puppets in color and black & white

• Foldable backdrop template

• Printable pocket template

• Step-by-step instructions

• Suggestions for classroom use

Skills addressed:

• Listening and musical interpretation

• Oral language and storytelling

• Fine motor control

• Teamwork and performance

• Creativity and imagination

Best for:

• Grades 1–4

• Elementary music lessons

• Music and art integration

• Homeschool or inclusive classrooms

Note: This resource is in English. No prep required – just print and start.

Best regards,

Die Relitante – Doreen Blumhagen