Traditionally, the highlight of the Year 6 Visual Arts Program is the making of Marionette Puppets. This program has now been running for over 20 years! There is always great excitement in the build up to the start of the project, not only amongst the year 6 students, but the whole school. During terms 3 and 4, students complete a major woodwork and threads and textiles project. They construct, design, decorate and operate a wooden Marionette puppet.
Careful planning, preparation, organisation and time management are a major component of this unit as the project is developed over 15 weeks. Safe and correct woodwork skills and techniques are revised including measuring, sanding, joining and finishing. Further skills are developed with the introduction of a variety of new tools and techniques, including sawing, drilling and wiring. Students are also required to assist others by demonstrating correct techniques and assisting others when help is required or as a safety component.
The chosen character is researched during class and home time with plans and sketches being made throughout the course of the term. There is always much discussion and excitement about which characters are going to be modelled. Students are encouraged to explore variations of the basic design. Subsequently the original pattern has been adapted and modified according to individual plans and characteristics of the puppet. There are a lot of maths processes and problem solving tasks required during the stages of completion. Each week the class discusses problems and shares ideas. Possible solutions to difficult tasks encountered are explored. Particular skills and techniques are then taught and revised at the beginning of each session.
How To:
Following a design brief and general explanation of construction, students begin by preparing the wood (sanding). Dressed pine is pre – cut in various sizes with the opportunity for students to cut some lengths of wood (sawing). Leather strips are measured and cut to length and the project begins!
Students work at their own pace piecing together limbs(drilling and nailing), body parts (leather strips) and head (string and wire).
Although each student works on an individual puppet, it becomes a whole class activity as students readily help each other with ideas, share materials and assist with difficult tasks or those requiring a “safety buddy”.
When the main body and limbs are complete, the facial features are added to the head (polystyrene ball).
Drafting, modelling, painting and sewing skills are required in the final decoration of the Marionette. The puppet is dressed in keeping with the character chosen. Some students hand or machine - sew materials whilst others elect to modify costumes from dress ups and toy clothing.
During the project, students are asked to keep a record of their progress through digital photographs and record their progress in a portfolio. Language and drama are also integrated with this unit of work. At the completion of the project, students are required to write a Biography describing the characteristics and features of the Marionette and skills experienced throughout the activities. At the conclusion of the project, students are invited to parade their marionette on “the cat walk” before a whole school audience and the school community. They are also given the opportunity to present their work for viewing in a gallery environment at school.
Jenny Watts
Visual Arts Teacher
Weeden Heights Primary School
