I've been kicking this notion around for a while, and I figured I'd share.

I've noticed in my time both as a student and as a teacher in public school systems that the curriculum is often quite lacking and I feel that children could benefit from supplementary education. That is what I plan to do with my puppet show.

In it, I plan to have four puppets; one for science (particularly biology, entomology, and parasitology, one for mythology (I don't care what most believe, I feel it is important to have at least a precursory knowledge of mythology. It makes for a better understanding of the world around us), one for history, and one for English (mostly focusing on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax). As I will gear this towards children, I'm not going to "go at it" with the intensity of a college course, but I do plan to educate them.

For instance, with the history puppet, I plan to do it in a fun and memorable manner: little known historical facts, "on this day..." facts, and things of that sort. With the science puppet, I will talk about animals usually perceived to be "gross" or "mean" (arachnids, insects, reptiles, etc); that they are important and interesting--but not that you should just run up to them and pick them up (as with any wild or strange animal).

I don't have a name for this yet (or for the puppets. I like to name them after I make them), but I've been kicking this idea around for a while.

Sounds Great, there is a show kicking around on the ABC that has some puppets and alot of costumes and actors teaching kids stuff about history. It is quite good and humorous but aimed at older children around the 8-14 bracket.

Sounds Great, there is a show kicking around on the ABC that has some puppets and alot of costumes and actors teaching kids stuff about history. It is quite good and humorous but aimed at older children around the 8-14 bracket.

You might want to clarify 'ABC' - to us Aussies it refers to something different than what Americans (http://abc.go.com/) use it for.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand... I like it! I would say though that because you're doing kids' shows that working with a teacher or someone else who has experience doing shows for kids would be a good idea. And to do a 'test' performance for a local school. This way you make sure you're both on topic but also not getting too didactic or boring. The test will give you invaluable feedback as well as a chance for a proper dress rehearsal.

The other thing I'd recommend is to greatly consider the amount of crap you're taking with you and your set up time. Most schools will block 45 minutes to an hour for you, so you need to make sure you can set up/pack up in 15 minutes or so. Obviously it also helps to make transport easier.

One other suggestion: I'd love to see chemistry included in there. A basic idea of the elements or how atoms work would complement your other topics.

You might want to clarify 'ABC' - to us Aussies it refers to something different than what Americans (http://abc.go.com/) use it for.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand... I like it! I would say though that because you're doing kids' shows that working with a teacher or someone else who has experience doing shows for kids would be a good idea. And to do a 'test' performance for a local school. This way you make sure you're both on topic but also not getting too didactic or boring. The test will give you invaluable feedback as well as a chance for a proper dress rehearsal.

The other thing I'd recommend is to greatly consider the amount of crap you're taking with you and your set up time. Most schools will block 45 minutes to an hour for you, so you need to make sure you can set up/pack up in 15 minutes or so. Obviously it also helps to make transport easier.

One other suggestion: I'd love to see chemistry included in there. A basic idea of the elements or how atoms work would complement your other topics.

The best part is, I'm soon to get a job as a teacher (Preschool--I'm in college for Kindergarten), so it will really help me out (on both ends, help me get a bit more used to the wee ones).

Oh yeah, I'm going to have "Science Puppet" talk about chemistry, a bit of anthropology, and talk about space and dinosaurs some, too.

My dad thought that we should add an "psychology puppet" into it, too (he even named it: "Dr. Conundrum"). He's really good with kids, and I'm sure he could "tone it down" a bit for the kids--you know, not make it go too far over their heads.

Well then it sounds like you'll be fine in terms of knowing how to approach the content. The science puppet sounds great. I do like the idea of a psychology puppet too, but I worry about what kinds of topics you discuss. With the basic science stuff it's relatively easy to get right; the more nuanced the subject matter the more I'd worry about making sure I know my research and have used reputable sources. (I have specific concerns for personal reasons and can go into it more privately)

This stuff is totally up my alley so if you want some help or feedback, let me know!

I was a preschool teacher for a few years.  Science has to be pretty simple for that age. They loved bugs and magnets I have a preying mantis puppet that I put up thru a basket and the kids can ask it yes or no questions and it shakes head to answer.  They like to make predictions about what magnets will do with different objects.  I had an Einstein puppet who would ask them for predictions. We also dropped different things off the playscape and they predicted which of a pair would hit the ground first to learn about gravity. I think parasitology might be too scary for preschoolers. Chemistry puts holes in your puppets.

I think parasitology might be too scary for preschoolers.

What about doing something to do with hygiene and germs?