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About this activity
Wall Shadow Puppet Show needs only a torch or phone torch, a blank wall, and hand shapes or cut-out card figures. Children invent short scenes, practise turn-taking, and explore light science without craft mess. Brilliant for school holidays, after-school wind-downs, and summer evenings when you want a cool indoor alternative to the park.
Print & play
Download the Shadow Puppet Character Templates sheet
Simple cut-out shadow puppet character templates for torch wall shows — animals, heroes, and story helpers.
View Shadow Puppet Character TemplatesMaterials needed
- Torch or phone torch
- Blank wall or door
- Optional card cut-outs on sticks
- Dimmed lights
Preparation time
5 minutes
How to play
- 1Dim the room and shine a torch at a blank wall from about one metre away.
- 2Practise hand animals (dog, bird, rabbit) or hold card cut-outs on sticks in the beam.
- 3Agree a three-scene story: hello, a problem, a happy ending — keep each scene under one minute.
- 4One child operates puppets while another narrates; swap roles after each story.
- 5Finish by freezing a favourite shadow and guessing what shape it is.
Learning benefits
StorytellingFine motor controlLight and shadow scienceConfidence
Best for
Tags
rainy-dayindoorfreeKS1KS2age-5calmSENafter-schoolschool holidays
Seasons
all year
Occasions
rainy dayafter schoolschool holidayquiet time
Key stages
EYFSKS1KS2
Weather
RainyColdAny Weather
SEN-friendly note
This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.
Safety note
Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.
