Use a prop to tell a story
Choose or make a simple prop (puppet, hat, or object) and use it to create and perform a short three-minute story for friends or family.
Step-by-step guide to use a prop to tell a story
Storytelling for Children: How to use props to bring stories to life
Step 1
Choose whether your prop will be a puppet a hat or a simple object.
Step 2
Gather the materials you need from the list and bring them to your workspace.
Step 3
Make the basic shape of your prop (turn the sock into a puppet or cut and tape the paper plate into a hat or fold the paper into your object).
Step 4
Decorate your prop with colours decorations and simple features like eyes or a mouth.
Step 5
Give your prop a name and pick one clear personality trait for the character.
Step 6
Choose one place where your story happens like a forest a school or a spaceship.
Step 7
Pick one simple problem or goal your character will try to solve or reach.
Step 8
Write three short lines that show the beginning the middle and the end of your story.
Step 9
Practice telling the story out loud while using your prop to act the parts.
Step 10
Time your practice and slow down or speed up so the story lasts about three minutes.
Step 11
Perform your three-minute story for friends or family and then share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a sock for a puppet or a paper plate for a hat?
Use a clean glove or a small paper bag to turn into a puppet, or fold and tape a sheet of cardstock or newspaper into a hat instead of cutting a paper plate.
My prop keeps falling apart or decorations won't stick—how do I fix that?
Reinforce weak spots by adding strong tape or hot glue, slide a cardboard insert into the paper-plate hat for shape, and sew or safety-pin the sock puppet opening so it fits your hand securely.
How can I adapt this prop-and-story activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers pre-cut shapes and make the story one-sentence beginning/middle/end, for elementary keep the three short lines and decorating steps, and for older kids add multi-scene plots, more detailed puppet movements, and timed three-minute practice runs.
How can we extend or personalize the story performance beyond the basic instructions?
Create a cardboard backdrop for the chosen place (forest, school, or spaceship), add simple sound effects or background music during practice, write the prop's name and trait on a nametag, and film the three-minute performance to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to use a prop to tell a story
Using props | Storytelling Toolkit
4 Videos
Using props | Storytelling Toolkit
Storytelling for kids/ diy puppet theatre/ storytelling with props ideas
Early Learning Tip: Using Props to Grow Storytelling Skills
Using Props in Your Storytime
Facts about storytelling and dramatic play
⏱️ A three-minute story is perfect for practicing beginning, middle, and end — and it's short enough to keep every audience member hooked.
🎩 A single prop like a hat or scarf can instantly turn one actor into many different characters on stage.
🎬 Performing your story for family or friends helps build confidence: even tiny home shows teach stage voice, gestures, and timing.
🎭 Puppetry is one of the world's oldest storytelling arts — puppet-like figures were used in ancient Egypt and Greece over 3,000 years ago.
🧦 Sock puppets are a classic DIY prop — all you need is a sock, some buttons, and glue to make a friend for your story.
How do I help my child use a puppet, hat, or object to perform a three-minute story?
What materials do I need to make or choose a simple prop for a storytelling activity?
What ages is this prop storytelling activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of having my child use a prop to tell a short story?
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