How to make a penguin finger puppet

Ponko the toy penguin in the National Maritime Museum is over 100 years old.

collection image of ponko the toy penguin turned slightly to the left

You can make your own penguin finger puppet at home.

You will need:

1 piece of paper or thin card (about the size of a postcard)

Glue or tape

A pencil

A felt tip pen

A pair of scissors

Co-commissioned with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust as part of its cultural programme Antarctica In Sight.

Step 1

Draw a small circle, with an oval underneath it.

Connect them together and give your penguin eyes.

Step 2

Go over in pen and colour in.

Step 3

Draw 2 flippers and 2 feet.

Step 4

Cut all the parts of your penguin out.

Step 5

Stick the flippers and feet on your penguin, folding the feet before you stick them on.

Step 6

Cut out a small triangle from your spare paper for the beak. Cut off the bottom two corners of your triangle. Stick to your penguin's face.

Step 7

Cut a strip of paper from your spare paper. Wind it round your finger and glue together. Cut off the excess.

Step 8

Glue your penguin to your ring of paper.

Congratulations!

What can you do with your penguin puppet?

Does it have a name?
Can you put on a finger puppet show?
Can you write a story about your finger puppet?

If you've enjoyed this activity, make sure to check out our range of crafting projects on our Family Activities page! We've got lots of ideas to keep your little ones entertained, including playtime games and bedtime stories.