Shadow Puppet Storytelling

What is a Shadow Puppetry?


Shadow puppetry is a visual theatre form that uses silhouettes, light, and motion to explore storytelling, science, and design. It allows pupils to investigate how light travels while developing creativity, collaboration and team work, and performance and oracy skills.

It is a non-judgmental form of expression making it particularly accessible for diverse learners and those who benefit from indirect or sensory-based communication.

Why Shadow Puppetry Works Across All School Form Stages

  • No facial features, making it inclusive & non-judgmental

  • Focuses on movement, shape, and imagination

  • Low-cost materials

  • Strong STEM + Arts integration (STEAM)

  • Scales from play-based learning to conceptual performance

Flexible Workshop Structure

Explore – Light & shadow play

Design – Make unique puppets

Test – Experiment with light, distance, movement

Create – Build a short performance

Reflect – Group discussion on what worked well and why?

This structure stays the same from EYFS to KS3 — only the depth and complexity changes.

Inclusion & Accessibility

Shadow puppetry is particularly effective because:

  • It removes pressure from facial expression and appearance

  • It supports non-verbal and neurodivergent learners

  • It allows multiple ways to participate (design, movement, sound, narration)

  • It is adaptable for SEND, SEMH, and EAL pupils

Curriculum Links

Science

  • Light sources, shadows, reflection, absorption

  • Forces, movement, and materials

Design & Technology

  • Designing, making, testing, and improving

  • Mechanisms and structures

Art & Design

  • Shape, silhouette, composition, symbolism

  • Visual storytelling

Drama

  • Performance skills

  • Character, narrative, audience awareness

PSHE / Inclusion

  • Confidence-building

  • Communication and collaboration

Benefits for Schools

  • Engaging, memorable learning experiences

  • Strong cross-curricular impact

  • Minimal equipment required

  • High-quality outcomes in a short time

  • Supports Ofsted focus on creativity, inclusion, and enrichment