Although plastic bags are annoying in almost every way, they are excellent craft supplies, especially for making ghosts. We like to make a special sort of ghost/monster to go along with one of our favorite books, Go Away, Big Green Monster, by Ed Emberley. This book is fantastic all year round, but we like to read it especially at Halloween time, and this year we made our own Big White Ghost.

Materials for Ghost Hand-Puppets

• plastic bag
• hair tie/rubber band
• markers

Lay the plastic bag out flat and draw your Big White Ghost – it should be about the size of your palm. Put the bag over your hand and put a rubber band around your three middle fingers. Your thumb and pinky will make the ghosts arms. Now you can read the book with your very own Big Green Monster!

Or, to make a regular ghost puppet, you can use either a plastic bag or a sock.

Sometimes it’s tough to include your pre-toddlers in these fun craft activities, but all you need to do is simplify. These puppets can be adapted to fit all ages of children. Have fun!