30 minutes, start to finish
Open with a quick light-and-shadow demonstration, teach one figure together, then let small groups rehearse and share a short scene.
Classroom-ready shadow play
A first shadow-puppet lesson your class can make today
Turn a light, a wall, and your students' hands into a low-prep creative lesson. Start with five beginner figures, then let stories take shape.
Designed for groups
Use a wall or sheet, a single bright light, and pairs of students. No accounts, special equipment, or prep-heavy materials are required.
Build toward a story
The starter kit moves from a clear silhouette to character, motion, sound, and a tiny performance students can make their own.
Five first figures
Small wins make a room come alive
Each starter figure has a clear silhouette and a simple next move, so students can succeed quickly before they begin inventing their own scenes.
- 1
Rabbit
- 2
Dog
- 3
Bird
- 4
Cat
- 5
Turtle
What's in the starter kit
- A step-by-step 30-minute lesson plan for ages 6 and up.
- Simple setup, lighting, and accessibility notes.
- Five beginner hand-shadow prompts and story extensions.
- Reflection questions for art, literacy, drama, and science connections.
Keep practicing with live coaching
Shadow Pals for iPhone helps learners refine supported hand positions with camera-guided feedback.