Why do it?

Peg puppets provide an opportunity for:

  • being creative
  • using language
  • pretend play
  • using imagination
  • working and playing with others.

How to do it

You need: wooden clothes pegs, felt tip pens, PVA glue, and scraps of fabric and wool. If no wooden pegs are available try ice block sticks or bits of driftwood.

Draw a face on each peg — talk about who each puppet can be. Use fabric and wool to add hair and clothes, using glue.

Use the puppets to act out family activities (such as shopping, visiting, and going to the park) and/or stories you have shared.

Using more te reo Māori

Keretao Puppet
Kiripuaki Character (in a story)
Mātiti Peg
Kanohi Face
Karu/Whatu Eyes
Taringa Ears
Ihu Nose
Waha Mouth
Ngutu Lip
Makawe Hair
Kākahu Clothes
Menemene Smile
Ko wai tēnei? Who's this?
Ko Mere tēnei This is Mere
Ko wai te ingoa o tō keretao? What's your puppet's name?
Kei hea tāna kainga? Were does he live?
Kei te haere ia ki whea? Where is he going?
Kei te haere ia ki te papa rererangi He's going to the airport