Puppet shows can seem daunting, but enlivening a story with a few props or puppets can be very simple and informal. There is a richness and magic that comes with a more elaborate set-up, practice, and know-how, but a story truly comes alive in a child’s imagination. Bringing what you can still nourishes your child’s experience of the story and deepens their relationship with it. And it adds some whimsy to our adult lives!
Here are a few household items that you can easily gather to enliven your reading or telling of Grandma’s Hat. This collection includes a handmade wool mouse puppet that we have included pictorial instructions for making at home. We have also included a template of Grandma’s Hat made from paper. Thank you to Mama Christina for creating this for us!
Instructions for creating a wool mouse puppet:
Gather supplies 
Take swath of wool about this length and thickness 
Fold in half 
Wrap around pointer finger 
Tie ends in gentle “knot” 
Thread needle, bringing it to middle of long thread so you have double threads. 
Tie the ends in a double knot 
Sew the “knot” on your wool in place 
Tie a knot at the end of your tail string 
Place it at the top of your puppet opening 
Sew in place 
Draw mouse ears about this size and cut out 
Sew ears on with needle and thread inside the puppet 
Double knot when both ears are sewn in place 
Here is your sweet little mouse!
Template for Grandma’s Hat made of paper:
And, lastly, a sweet spring song to learn and share with your child at any time!
Spring is coming, spring is coming!
Birdies build your nest.
Weave together straw and feather,
Each one doing their best.
Spring is coming, spring is coming!
Flowers are all in bloom.
Tulips, Lillies, daffodillies,
All are coming through.
The song is called May Song, and it’s sung in many Waldorf early childhood classrooms, though I am uncertain of it’s origin.