A dancing dragon puppet show adds excitement and cultural significance to Chinese New Year celebrations.
This fun craft activity allows toddlers to learn about traditional dragon dances while exploring their creativity and imagination.
Materials Needed
- Printable dragon template or paper to create your own
- Coloured paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, or paint
- Glue or tape
- String or ribbon
- Two craft sticks
- Optional: decorative elements (glitter, sequins, stickers)
Step 1: Prepare the Dragon Template
Print a dragon template or draw your dragon onto coloured paper or cardstock. The dragon should have a head, body, and tail to be cut out separately for assembly.
Step 2: Cut Out the Pieces
Carefully cut out the dragon’s head, body, and tail from the paper. For a longer dragon, add extra pieces of coloured paper to extend the body.
Step 3: Decorate the Dragon
Let your toddler decorate each dragon part using markers, crayons, or paint. Please encourage them to add traditional Chinese patterns or bright, festive colours like red and gold.
Step 4: Assemble the Dragon
Attach the head, body, and tail pieces using glue or tape. If you want the dragon to move more fluidly, connect the pieces with short strips of ribbon or string.
Step 5: Add the Puppet Handles
Attach one craft stick to the dragon’s head and another to the tail using glue or tape. This allows the dragon to “dance” when held by both sticks.
Step 6: Create the Guiding Ball
Decorate a small ball with patterns or colours to mimic the ball traditionally used in dragon dances. Attach a string to the ball so your toddler can hold and guide it.
Step 7: Perform the Puppet Show
Encourage your toddler to guide the dragon with the ball while moving the sticks to make it “dance.” Share the cultural significance of the dragon dance as a symbol of good fortune and energy during Chinese New Year.
