Thursday, October 06, 2005
Puppet plays.
Puppet plays.
What is Christmas all about?
When I do puppet plays, I usually record the script beforehand - using different 'character' voices, and then play it back while children operate the (glove) puppets. This way I am able to 'watch' the entire group, and also have a puppet/human dialogue if required. For this play, you will need one animal (I use a sheep) and four 'human' puppets. Write the word "Christmas" on a large piece of paper, and display it in a prominent position.
Script.
Host. Today we are going to ask the very important question "What is Christmas all about?" But firstly, let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Let's give a big welcome for my first guest - Miss know it all.
Miss Know it all. Thank you for inviting me onto your show. I am Miss know it all, so you only have to ask me the question, because I know everything.
Host. Well, we will see about that a little later. But secondly, let me introduce Mr. Don't know a lot.
Mr. Don't know a lot. Don't be fooled by my name, because actually I know heaps and heaps of things. So ask me the question, and I will give you the right answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't Know a lot. Our next guest is Mr. Remember well.
Mr. Remember well. As you can tell by my name, I remember everything. So ask me the question, and I will give you the answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Our final guest is Mr. Shaun the sheep. Say "hello" Shaun.
Shaun. Baa, Baa.
Host. Thank you Shaun, If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but really I don't think he will be much help at all. The question then is "What is Christmas all about?" I am going to save us all some time because I know the answer myself. Christmas is all about money. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but only because Mary and Joseph had to go there to register to pay their taxes to Caesar. So that's the answer - Money. That's why my mum and dad are always complaining what an expensive time of the year Christmas is with so many presents to buy. But, to be fair, I will ask my guests if they have any other opinions. Miss Know it all. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Miss Know it all. I certainly do. It's not about money you silly old fool. Christmas is all about Food. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a Manger - which is a cattle's eating trough. So that is why people eat so much at Christmas, like Turkey, Christmas pudding and lots of chocolate. So that's the answer to your question - Food.
Host. Thank you Miss Know it all. Remind me not to invite you back on my show. Now, Mr. Don't know a lot, do you know what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Don't know a lot. Well, it's not about money or food. No, Christmas is all about Singing. After Jesus was born, Angels appeared to some Shepherds and they began to sing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men." So that is the answer - Singing. That is why groups go out carol singing today.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't know a lot. That was certainly a very "interesting" answer. Mr. Remember well. Do you remember what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Remember well. I certainly do. You should have asked me first, because I remember the answer to the question. Christmas is all about Presents. After Jesus was born, some wise men brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Him. That is why people exchange gifts at Christmas today. So the answer is Presents.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Finally, I suppose we should ask our last guest Shaun the sheep if he has any opinion. Shaun. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Shaun. Baa. Baa.
Host. Come along Shaun, give us your answer.
Shaun. Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
Self. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. My hand was the first to be raised. What would you like me to do?
Shaun. Do you see that paper with "Christmas" written on it?
Self. Yes, I see it.
Shaun. Write out the fourth and fifth letters.
Self. ok.(Counting and writing). I have done that Shaun. What next?
Shaun. Now write out the first six letters.
Self. (Counting and writing) I have done that as well Shaun.
Shaun. That is the answer to our question - "Christmas is Christ."
You may then wish to conclude by recapping on what Christmas is and what Christmas is not all about.
What is Easter all about?
You will need three “people” puppets, one “animal” puppet ( I use a sheep), a piece of plain paper, and a pair of scissors.
SCRIPT.
HOST. Today, we are going to ask the question “ What is Easter all about? “, but firstly let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Representing the younger generation is Miss Know it all.
MISS KNOW IT ALL.. Thank you for inviting me back on your show. Just ask me the question, and I will give you the answer, because I know everything.
HOST. Secondly, representing the older generation, is Mr Don’t know a lot.
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. Although my name is Mr. Don’t Know a lot, I know heaps and heaps of things, so all you need to do is ask me the question.
HOST. Finally, representing the animal kingdom, is Shaun the sheep. Say “hello” Shaun.
SHAUN. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Thank you Shaun. If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but I don’t really think he will be much help at all. Today’s question is “What is Easter all about?” and I happen to know the answer myself. Easter is all about HOLIDAYS. Everybody I know go on holiday at Easter, so that is the answer – holidays. However, just in case there are any other opinions, I will ask my guests the question. Miss Know it all, do you know what Easter is all about?
MISS KNOW IT ALL. I certainly do. Easter is not about holidays. Easter is all about BUNNIES. Everyone knows that Easter is the time that all the bunny rabbits come out.
HOST. Thank you Miss Know it all. That was certainly a very “interesting” answer. Now, Mr. Don’t know a lot, do you know what Easter is all about?
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. It’s certainly not about Holidays or Bunnies! No, Easter is all about EGGS. There are ordinary chicken’s eggs, but the ones I like best are those Cadbury Cream eggs. They are so delicious. I have heaps and heaps of them at Easter time. So that is your answer – Eggs.
HOST. Thank you Mr. Don’t Know a lot. You certainly lived up to your name! Now Shaun, have you any idea at all what Easter is all about?
SHAUN. Baa. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Come on Shaun. Don’t be shy. Give us your answer.
SHAUN .Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
SELF. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. What would you like me to do?
SHAUN. Take that piece of paper and fold over the top right corner.
SELF. (Folding the top right corner so that it meets the left edge). I have done that Shaun, what next?
SHAUN. Take the top left corner and fold it over.
SELF. (Folding as before so that the top left corner meets the right edge to produce a “house” shape). Oh I see it now Shaun, Easter is about spending time at home with your families!
SHAUN. Now fold the paper down the middle.
SELF. (Folding as directed, to produce an “aeroplane” shape). Oh yes, now I understand. Mr. Host was right all the time. Easter is all about going off on holiday on an aeroplane!
SHAUN. Now cut a strip off the paper, next to the longest edge.
SELF. On no, Shaun, that would spoil my aeroplane.
SHAUN. Just do as you’re told Mr. (name), and cut a strip off the paper.
SELF. Don’t you talk to me like that you silly sheep. I will put you back in your sheep pen, if you are not careful.
SHAUN. Just cut a strip off the paper.
SELF. Oh alright – though I am sure this is going to spoil my aeroplane. (Cut about a 1 cm. strip parallel to the longest edge). I have done that Shaun, what next?
SHAUN. Open the paper up.
SELF. (Opening up the paper to reveal a cross). I think Shaun has given us the right answer. Easter is all about a cross. But not a paper cross. It’s about a wooden cross on which Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died to take away our sins.
How do you get to heaven ?
You will need four “people” puppets, one “animal” puppet (I use a sheep), a piece of plain paper and a marker.
SCRIPT.
HOST. Hello, and welcome to my show. Let me introduce you to my guests. Firstly we have Miss Know it all.
MISS KNOW IT ALL. Hi.
HOST. Next, we have Mr. Remember well.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. How are you all ?
HOST. Then we have Mr. Don’t know a lot.
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. Hello everybody.
HOST. And finally we have Shaun the sheep.
SHAUN. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Today’s question is “How do you get to heaven?” Actually, that’s rather an easy one. Everyone knows that if you are good, you go to heaven, but if you are bad, you don’t. So, if you do more good things than bad ones you will go to heaven.
MISS KNOW IT ALL. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. That’s not right. If we could all get to heaven by being good, there was no need for Jesus to come and die for us.
HOST. Oh ! You have a point there. So how can we get to heaven then Miss Know it all ?
MISS KNOW IT ALL. By believing. If you believe in God, you will go to heaven.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. What nonsense ! You are both wrong. Even the devil believes in God, but he’s not going to get to heaven.
HOST. Give us your answer then Mr. Remember well.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. This is a question I have studied for fifty years, but I have finally found the answer. To get to heaven you need to be - - - - - - DEAD !
HOST. Amazing. And it only took you fifty years to find that out!
MR. REMEMBER WELL. Wait, there’s more. As well as being dead, the Bible teaches that we need to be a Christian.
HOST. Now we are getting close. But how can a person become a Christian, Mr. Remember well ?
MR. REMEMBER WELL. I have no idea. It may take me another fifty years to find that out.
HOST. I am afraid that we haven’t got that long. Mr. Don’t know a lot, can you help us out ?
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. I certainly can. You become a Christian by going to church. It’s as simple as that.
HOST. But that can’t be right. If I went to live in my garage, that wouldn’t turn me into a Motor car would it ? So going to church wouldn’t turn me into a Christian. No, there must be another answer. Shaun, we are getting really desperate here. You are our last hope. Do you know how we can get to heaven ?
SHAUN. I can do better than that. I can give you the key that will unlock the gates of heaven.
HOST. You have a key to the gates of heaven ?
SHAUN. Yes. It’s a combination lock, so can someone write down the numbers for us ?
SELF. I can do that Shaun.
SHAUN. The numbers are 511531.
SELF. (Write down the numbers, big enough for everyone to see, but as you do, bend the tops of the first and third “1” slightly to the right. Bend the top of the second “1” slightly to the left).
HOST. You mean that’s the key that will get us into heaven ?
SHAUN. It sure is. Just turn the paper upside down, and have a look.
SELF. (Turning the paper upside down, to reveal the word “JESUS”). Shaun has given us the right answer. Jesus is the key to heaven. He said “ I am the way. Nobody comes to the Father, except by me."
The Lost sheep.
Note: This play can now be viewed on You Tube. (Google 'You tube Maurice Sweetsur).
With the aid of a sheep puppet, I perform this ventriloquism skit after telling the 'lost sheep' story.
Self. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Shaun the sheep. Say 'Hello' Shaun.
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun. I have brought Shaun along to our class today because he tells me that he's the very sheep we were hearing about in the story - the sheep that ran away. Is that true Shaun?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun, I thought it was. Now Shaun, will you tell these boys and girls your side of the story?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you very much Shaun, I knew you would. Firstly Shaun, what made you run away?
Shaun. Baaah. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and go where I wanted to go.
Self. That's like a lot of boys and girls today. They just want to go their own way, and don't listen to their parents, teachers, or even God. What happened after you ran away?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Well it does get dark at night Shaun, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. I think we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Oh I see. It was cold as well as dark that night. What happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. I am sure we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark and very cold, and you must have been very frightened by now. But what happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a lion.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have terrified you. What happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a wolf.
Self. Oh Shaun! A wolf as well as a lion. What did you do?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. I'm not surprised. I think that if I were on my own on a cold, dark night and I heard a lion and a wolf, I would run and run and run. What happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes Shaun, but after you ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran and ran, what happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran into a thistle.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have been very painful for you. What happened next?
Shaun. All of a sudden, there was the Good Shepherd.
Self. That's right, he came out on that cold, dark night just to look for you. Did he give you a row for running away?
Shaun. No, he just picked me up and took me home.
Self. I expect that was when you got a row for running away?
Shaun. No, we just had a big celebration party.
Self. That's right. The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding you that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours to celebrate with him. What do you think of the Good Shepherd now?
Shaun. He's so good to me.
Self. Will you ever run away again?
Shaun. No, I will never leave the Good Shepherd again.
Self. Good, I think you have learned your lesson.
Shaun. I want to go back to the Good Shepherd now.
Self. We understand that Shaun. You don't want to be away from the Good Shepherd for too long. We will let you go back to him.
Shaun. Before I go, can you answer me a question.
Self. We will if we can Shaun. What is your question to us?
Shaun. Where does a sheep go to get a wool cut?
Self. I know where I go to get a hair cut, but where would a sheep go to get a wool cut? - - - - - - I think you will have to give us the answer Shaun.
Shaun. He goes to the Baa Baa's!
Self. Good bye Shaun.
The lost son.
Here is a play based on Jesus' famous parable of the lost son (sometimes called the prodigal or the wasteful son). I use it with my classes, having first retold the parable itself. The play is set in the present time and has four scenes, involving four actors - the father, the younger son, the older son and a home help. There is a narrative to introduce each scene. I select a good reader to do this, or sometimes do it myself with a slightly younger class.
This play is more suitable for 9 year olds and upwards. I usually do it as a radio play by recording the children as they read their parts, and conclude by playing it back to the whole class. Prior selection of the younger son and the home help will enable you to personalise the play by inserting their names into the script.
Note. For younger children this could be used as a puppet play.
Scene 1.
Narrator. This is a play about a patient father and his wasteful son. The first scene takes place in a house somewhere near ____________ (name of local street) in ___________ (name of local town or city).
(Younger) son. Hi Dad.
Father. Yes son.
Son. Is it true that when you die, I will get half your money?
Father. Yes son. Your brother and you will share my savings in the __________ bank.
Son. Well I can't wait until you die. I want my share now.
Father. Why is that son?
Son. I am tired of school and living around here. I want to go to downtown _____________ (name of nearest large city) and really party - in the Night clubs, casino and all-night bars.
Father. If that is what you really want, here is your share of the money.
Son. Gee. Thanks Dad. You are really quite a cool dude after all.
Scene 2.
Narrator. True to his word, the wasteful son went to the bright lights of downtown ____________ and really partied - drinking, gambling and party-going. He made many friends who helped him spend his money. However, after a few months, all his money had gone - and now his so-called friends didn't want to know him.
Unemployment was high in ____________, and the wasteful son had no money, no job, nowhere to live and very little food to eat. Eventually, he managed to gat a job selling hot dogs from a wheelbarrow.
Son. Hot dogs. Hot dogs. Get your hot dogs here.
Woe is me. Business is bad. Woe is me. Woe is me. WOE IS ME.
I am a fool. I have nowhere to live, no money, no friends, my clothes are dirty and torn, and I only have hot dogs to eat. Even my father's home help is better off than I am. I should never have left home. I know! I will return to my father. I am no longer worthy to be called his son, but perhaps he will give me a job in his lolly shop.
Scene 3.
Narrator. So the wasteful son returned home, wondering what type of reception he would get from his father. He thought that his father would probably be very angry and tell him to clear off. But as he neared home, he saw his father running towards him.
Footsteps.
Son. Father, I have sinned against you and against God. I am not worthy to be called your son.
Father. My son. My son. You have come home. Oh what joy you have given me. You were dead to me and now you are alive. You were lost and now you are found.
Son. But father, I am not worthy to be called your son.
Father. The only thing that matters is that you have come home. We must have a celebration party to welcome you home. Miss _______. Miss _______ .
Home help. Yes sir.
Father. My beloved son has returned home. Make sure he has everything he needs. Give him the best coat, put a ring on his finger, shoes on his feet, and invite all my friends round for a celebration homecoming party.
Home help. Whatever you say sir. Come with me Master _______ . I will get your old room ready for you.
Scene 4.
Narrator. The older son, however, was not as forgiving as his father. As he returned home from working in his father's lolly shop, he heard the sound of joyful music.
Older son. Miss _________ . What on earth is going on?
Home help. Your brother has returned home and your father is jumping for joy. He has given him a bicycle, a computer, a play station, and a big bag of his favourite lollies. He is now having a big celebration party, and he wants you to join them.
Older son. No way! It sounds as though Dad has really gone crazy. Send him out to me please.
Home help. Whatever you say.
Footsteps.
Father. Yes son. What do you want?
Older son. Dad, have you gone completely crazy? That rotten brother of mine has dared to come home, and instead of sending him away, you have welcomed him back as though he had never done any wrong, It is just not fair.
Father. Son, you are with me always, and whatever is mine is yours also. But your brother was dead to me and now he is alive again, he was lost and now he is found. It is only right that we should celebrate his return.
Conclusion.
Narrator. Just like the forgiving father in this play, our heavenly Father waits patiently for his lost children to return home. And when we do, he welcomes us gladly. All our sins are forgiven and forgotten and there is much rejoicing in heaven.
I don't believe in God.
You will need two 'people' puppets, a boy and a girl. I have called them James and Jessica.
Jessica. How are you today James?
James. Great. I got good marks in my school test, so my Dad took me to see my favourite Soccer team play. They won 5 - 0, and then we stopped off at McDonald's for tea.
Jessica. That's wonderful, James. I hope that you gave God thanks for all the good things that have been happening to you.
James. I don't believe in God.
Jessica. Why do you say that James?
James. I think that I would like to believe in God. But there is no proof that He actually exists.
Jessica. But James, the proof of God is all around you.
James. I don't understand what you mean, Jessica.
Jessica. Just use your eyes. Look at the millions of stars, all the living things like flowers, birds, animals and people. Think about how wonderful they all are. They must have been made by a very clever Creator. Otherwise you have to believe that everything made itself, beginning with nothing!
James. I hadn't thought about it like that before. But if there is a God, why hasn't He sent someone to earth to tell us about Himself?
Jessica. He has. He has sent many messengers to us in fact. They were usually called Prophets, and we can read about everything they said in the Bible. The Bible is really God's love letter to you James. If you read it, you will get to know what God is really like, and how special you are to Him.
James. But if God really loves us, as you say, why hasn't He come to reveal Himself to us in person?
Jessica. Two thousand years ago. He did just that. He came to earth in human form. We called Him, Jesus.
James. But how do we know that Jesus was really God?
Jessica. He did things that only God could do. He defied the natural laws of the universe by doing miracles like multiplying matter, defying gravity, commanding nature (such as storms) to obey Him, commanding the sick to be healed and the dead to come back to life. And then He proved how much He really loves us by allowing Himself to be crucified on a cross so that we could be forgiven our wrongdoings.
James. That was a wonderful thing to do. But what a sad ending.
Jessica. That is not the ending, James. You see, death couldn't hold Jesus because He was faultless. Jesus took His life up again, and is alive for evermore.
James. You have given me something to think about, Jessica.
Jessica. Good. Remember that God has promised to reveal Himself to all those who genuinely seek Him.
What is Christmas all about?
When I do puppet plays, I usually record the script beforehand - using different 'character' voices, and then play it back while children operate the (glove) puppets. This way I am able to 'watch' the entire group, and also have a puppet/human dialogue if required. For this play, you will need one animal (I use a sheep) and four 'human' puppets. Write the word "Christmas" on a large piece of paper, and display it in a prominent position.
Script.
Host. Today we are going to ask the very important question "What is Christmas all about?" But firstly, let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Let's give a big welcome for my first guest - Miss know it all.
Miss Know it all. Thank you for inviting me onto your show. I am Miss know it all, so you only have to ask me the question, because I know everything.
Host. Well, we will see about that a little later. But secondly, let me introduce Mr. Don't know a lot.
Mr. Don't know a lot. Don't be fooled by my name, because actually I know heaps and heaps of things. So ask me the question, and I will give you the right answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't Know a lot. Our next guest is Mr. Remember well.
Mr. Remember well. As you can tell by my name, I remember everything. So ask me the question, and I will give you the answer.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Our final guest is Mr. Shaun the sheep. Say "hello" Shaun.
Shaun. Baa, Baa.
Host. Thank you Shaun, If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but really I don't think he will be much help at all. The question then is "What is Christmas all about?" I am going to save us all some time because I know the answer myself. Christmas is all about money. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but only because Mary and Joseph had to go there to register to pay their taxes to Caesar. So that's the answer - Money. That's why my mum and dad are always complaining what an expensive time of the year Christmas is with so many presents to buy. But, to be fair, I will ask my guests if they have any other opinions. Miss Know it all. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Miss Know it all. I certainly do. It's not about money you silly old fool. Christmas is all about Food. When Jesus was born, he was placed in a Manger - which is a cattle's eating trough. So that is why people eat so much at Christmas, like Turkey, Christmas pudding and lots of chocolate. So that's the answer to your question - Food.
Host. Thank you Miss Know it all. Remind me not to invite you back on my show. Now, Mr. Don't know a lot, do you know what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Don't know a lot. Well, it's not about money or food. No, Christmas is all about Singing. After Jesus was born, Angels appeared to some Shepherds and they began to sing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men." So that is the answer - Singing. That is why groups go out carol singing today.
Host. Thank you Mr. Don't know a lot. That was certainly a very "interesting" answer. Mr. Remember well. Do you remember what Christmas is all about?
Mr. Remember well. I certainly do. You should have asked me first, because I remember the answer to the question. Christmas is all about Presents. After Jesus was born, some wise men brought gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Him. That is why people exchange gifts at Christmas today. So the answer is Presents.
Host. Thank you Mr. Remember well. Finally, I suppose we should ask our last guest Shaun the sheep if he has any opinion. Shaun. Do you know what Christmas is all about?
Shaun. Baa. Baa.
Host. Come along Shaun, give us your answer.
Shaun. Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
Self. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. My hand was the first to be raised. What would you like me to do?
Shaun. Do you see that paper with "Christmas" written on it?
Self. Yes, I see it.
Shaun. Write out the fourth and fifth letters.
Self. ok.(Counting and writing). I have done that Shaun. What next?
Shaun. Now write out the first six letters.
Self. (Counting and writing) I have done that as well Shaun.
Shaun. That is the answer to our question - "Christmas is Christ."
You may then wish to conclude by recapping on what Christmas is and what Christmas is not all about.
What is Easter all about?
You will need three “people” puppets, one “animal” puppet ( I use a sheep), a piece of plain paper, and a pair of scissors.
SCRIPT.
HOST. Today, we are going to ask the question “ What is Easter all about? “, but firstly let me introduce you to my panel of guests. Representing the younger generation is Miss Know it all.
MISS KNOW IT ALL.. Thank you for inviting me back on your show. Just ask me the question, and I will give you the answer, because I know everything.
HOST. Secondly, representing the older generation, is Mr Don’t know a lot.
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. Although my name is Mr. Don’t Know a lot, I know heaps and heaps of things, so all you need to do is ask me the question.
HOST. Finally, representing the animal kingdom, is Shaun the sheep. Say “hello” Shaun.
SHAUN. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Thank you Shaun. If we have time, I will ask Shaun his opinion, but I don’t really think he will be much help at all. Today’s question is “What is Easter all about?” and I happen to know the answer myself. Easter is all about HOLIDAYS. Everybody I know go on holiday at Easter, so that is the answer – holidays. However, just in case there are any other opinions, I will ask my guests the question. Miss Know it all, do you know what Easter is all about?
MISS KNOW IT ALL. I certainly do. Easter is not about holidays. Easter is all about BUNNIES. Everyone knows that Easter is the time that all the bunny rabbits come out.
HOST. Thank you Miss Know it all. That was certainly a very “interesting” answer. Now, Mr. Don’t know a lot, do you know what Easter is all about?
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. It’s certainly not about Holidays or Bunnies! No, Easter is all about EGGS. There are ordinary chicken’s eggs, but the ones I like best are those Cadbury Cream eggs. They are so delicious. I have heaps and heaps of them at Easter time. So that is your answer – Eggs.
HOST. Thank you Mr. Don’t Know a lot. You certainly lived up to your name! Now Shaun, have you any idea at all what Easter is all about?
SHAUN. Baa. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Come on Shaun. Don’t be shy. Give us your answer.
SHAUN .Baa. Baa. I need a volunteer to help me.
SELF. (Holding up your hand). I will be your volunteer Shaun. What would you like me to do?
SHAUN. Take that piece of paper and fold over the top right corner.
SELF. (Folding the top right corner so that it meets the left edge). I have done that Shaun, what next?
SHAUN. Take the top left corner and fold it over.
SELF. (Folding as before so that the top left corner meets the right edge to produce a “house” shape). Oh I see it now Shaun, Easter is about spending time at home with your families!
SHAUN. Now fold the paper down the middle.
SELF. (Folding as directed, to produce an “aeroplane” shape). Oh yes, now I understand. Mr. Host was right all the time. Easter is all about going off on holiday on an aeroplane!
SHAUN. Now cut a strip off the paper, next to the longest edge.
SELF. On no, Shaun, that would spoil my aeroplane.
SHAUN. Just do as you’re told Mr. (name), and cut a strip off the paper.
SELF. Don’t you talk to me like that you silly sheep. I will put you back in your sheep pen, if you are not careful.
SHAUN. Just cut a strip off the paper.
SELF. Oh alright – though I am sure this is going to spoil my aeroplane. (Cut about a 1 cm. strip parallel to the longest edge). I have done that Shaun, what next?
SHAUN. Open the paper up.
SELF. (Opening up the paper to reveal a cross). I think Shaun has given us the right answer. Easter is all about a cross. But not a paper cross. It’s about a wooden cross on which Jesus Christ, God’s Son, died to take away our sins.
How do you get to heaven ?
You will need four “people” puppets, one “animal” puppet (I use a sheep), a piece of plain paper and a marker.
SCRIPT.
HOST. Hello, and welcome to my show. Let me introduce you to my guests. Firstly we have Miss Know it all.
MISS KNOW IT ALL. Hi.
HOST. Next, we have Mr. Remember well.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. How are you all ?
HOST. Then we have Mr. Don’t know a lot.
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. Hello everybody.
HOST. And finally we have Shaun the sheep.
SHAUN. Baa. Baa.
HOST. Today’s question is “How do you get to heaven?” Actually, that’s rather an easy one. Everyone knows that if you are good, you go to heaven, but if you are bad, you don’t. So, if you do more good things than bad ones you will go to heaven.
MISS KNOW IT ALL. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. That’s not right. If we could all get to heaven by being good, there was no need for Jesus to come and die for us.
HOST. Oh ! You have a point there. So how can we get to heaven then Miss Know it all ?
MISS KNOW IT ALL. By believing. If you believe in God, you will go to heaven.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. What nonsense ! You are both wrong. Even the devil believes in God, but he’s not going to get to heaven.
HOST. Give us your answer then Mr. Remember well.
MR. REMEMBER WELL. This is a question I have studied for fifty years, but I have finally found the answer. To get to heaven you need to be - - - - - - DEAD !
HOST. Amazing. And it only took you fifty years to find that out!
MR. REMEMBER WELL. Wait, there’s more. As well as being dead, the Bible teaches that we need to be a Christian.
HOST. Now we are getting close. But how can a person become a Christian, Mr. Remember well ?
MR. REMEMBER WELL. I have no idea. It may take me another fifty years to find that out.
HOST. I am afraid that we haven’t got that long. Mr. Don’t know a lot, can you help us out ?
MR. DON’T KNOW A LOT. I certainly can. You become a Christian by going to church. It’s as simple as that.
HOST. But that can’t be right. If I went to live in my garage, that wouldn’t turn me into a Motor car would it ? So going to church wouldn’t turn me into a Christian. No, there must be another answer. Shaun, we are getting really desperate here. You are our last hope. Do you know how we can get to heaven ?
SHAUN. I can do better than that. I can give you the key that will unlock the gates of heaven.
HOST. You have a key to the gates of heaven ?
SHAUN. Yes. It’s a combination lock, so can someone write down the numbers for us ?
SELF. I can do that Shaun.
SHAUN. The numbers are 511531.
SELF. (Write down the numbers, big enough for everyone to see, but as you do, bend the tops of the first and third “1” slightly to the right. Bend the top of the second “1” slightly to the left).
HOST. You mean that’s the key that will get us into heaven ?
SHAUN. It sure is. Just turn the paper upside down, and have a look.
SELF. (Turning the paper upside down, to reveal the word “JESUS”). Shaun has given us the right answer. Jesus is the key to heaven. He said “ I am the way. Nobody comes to the Father, except by me."
The Lost sheep.
Note: This play can now be viewed on You Tube. (Google 'You tube Maurice Sweetsur).
With the aid of a sheep puppet, I perform this ventriloquism skit after telling the 'lost sheep' story.
Self. I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. This is Shaun the sheep. Say 'Hello' Shaun.
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun. I have brought Shaun along to our class today because he tells me that he's the very sheep we were hearing about in the story - the sheep that ran away. Is that true Shaun?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you Shaun, I thought it was. Now Shaun, will you tell these boys and girls your side of the story?
Shaun. Baaah.
Self. Thank you very much Shaun, I knew you would. Firstly Shaun, what made you run away?
Shaun. Baaah. I wanted to do what I wanted to do, and go where I wanted to go.
Self. That's like a lot of boys and girls today. They just want to go their own way, and don't listen to their parents, teachers, or even God. What happened after you ran away?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Well it does get dark at night Shaun, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got darker.
Self. I think we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark, but what happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Oh I see. It was cold as well as dark that night. What happened next?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. It got colder.
Self. I am sure we all understand that Shaun. It was very dark and very cold, and you must have been very frightened by now. But what happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a lion.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have terrified you. What happened next?
Shaun. Then I heard a wolf.
Self. Oh Shaun! A wolf as well as a lion. What did you do?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. I'm not surprised. I think that if I were on my own on a cold, dark night and I heard a lion and a wolf, I would run and run and run. What happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes, and then?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran and ran.
Self. Yes Shaun, but after you ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran, and ran and ran and ran and ran, what happened next?
Shaun. I ran and ran and ran into a thistle.
Self. Oh Shaun, that must have been very painful for you. What happened next?
Shaun. All of a sudden, there was the Good Shepherd.
Self. That's right, he came out on that cold, dark night just to look for you. Did he give you a row for running away?
Shaun. No, he just picked me up and took me home.
Self. I expect that was when you got a row for running away?
Shaun. No, we just had a big celebration party.
Self. That's right. The Good Shepherd was so happy at finding you that he invited all his friends, relatives and neighbours to celebrate with him. What do you think of the Good Shepherd now?
Shaun. He's so good to me.
Self. Will you ever run away again?
Shaun. No, I will never leave the Good Shepherd again.
Self. Good, I think you have learned your lesson.
Shaun. I want to go back to the Good Shepherd now.
Self. We understand that Shaun. You don't want to be away from the Good Shepherd for too long. We will let you go back to him.
Shaun. Before I go, can you answer me a question.
Self. We will if we can Shaun. What is your question to us?
Shaun. Where does a sheep go to get a wool cut?
Self. I know where I go to get a hair cut, but where would a sheep go to get a wool cut? - - - - - - I think you will have to give us the answer Shaun.
Shaun. He goes to the Baa Baa's!
Self. Good bye Shaun.
The lost son.
Here is a play based on Jesus' famous parable of the lost son (sometimes called the prodigal or the wasteful son). I use it with my classes, having first retold the parable itself. The play is set in the present time and has four scenes, involving four actors - the father, the younger son, the older son and a home help. There is a narrative to introduce each scene. I select a good reader to do this, or sometimes do it myself with a slightly younger class.
This play is more suitable for 9 year olds and upwards. I usually do it as a radio play by recording the children as they read their parts, and conclude by playing it back to the whole class. Prior selection of the younger son and the home help will enable you to personalise the play by inserting their names into the script.
Note. For younger children this could be used as a puppet play.
Scene 1.
Narrator. This is a play about a patient father and his wasteful son. The first scene takes place in a house somewhere near ____________ (name of local street) in ___________ (name of local town or city).
(Younger) son. Hi Dad.
Father. Yes son.
Son. Is it true that when you die, I will get half your money?
Father. Yes son. Your brother and you will share my savings in the __________ bank.
Son. Well I can't wait until you die. I want my share now.
Father. Why is that son?
Son. I am tired of school and living around here. I want to go to downtown _____________ (name of nearest large city) and really party - in the Night clubs, casino and all-night bars.
Father. If that is what you really want, here is your share of the money.
Son. Gee. Thanks Dad. You are really quite a cool dude after all.
Scene 2.
Narrator. True to his word, the wasteful son went to the bright lights of downtown ____________ and really partied - drinking, gambling and party-going. He made many friends who helped him spend his money. However, after a few months, all his money had gone - and now his so-called friends didn't want to know him.
Unemployment was high in ____________, and the wasteful son had no money, no job, nowhere to live and very little food to eat. Eventually, he managed to gat a job selling hot dogs from a wheelbarrow.
Son. Hot dogs. Hot dogs. Get your hot dogs here.
Woe is me. Business is bad. Woe is me. Woe is me. WOE IS ME.
I am a fool. I have nowhere to live, no money, no friends, my clothes are dirty and torn, and I only have hot dogs to eat. Even my father's home help is better off than I am. I should never have left home. I know! I will return to my father. I am no longer worthy to be called his son, but perhaps he will give me a job in his lolly shop.
Scene 3.
Narrator. So the wasteful son returned home, wondering what type of reception he would get from his father. He thought that his father would probably be very angry and tell him to clear off. But as he neared home, he saw his father running towards him.
Footsteps.
Son. Father, I have sinned against you and against God. I am not worthy to be called your son.
Father. My son. My son. You have come home. Oh what joy you have given me. You were dead to me and now you are alive. You were lost and now you are found.
Son. But father, I am not worthy to be called your son.
Father. The only thing that matters is that you have come home. We must have a celebration party to welcome you home. Miss _______. Miss _______ .
Home help. Yes sir.
Father. My beloved son has returned home. Make sure he has everything he needs. Give him the best coat, put a ring on his finger, shoes on his feet, and invite all my friends round for a celebration homecoming party.
Home help. Whatever you say sir. Come with me Master _______ . I will get your old room ready for you.
Scene 4.
Narrator. The older son, however, was not as forgiving as his father. As he returned home from working in his father's lolly shop, he heard the sound of joyful music.
Older son. Miss _________ . What on earth is going on?
Home help. Your brother has returned home and your father is jumping for joy. He has given him a bicycle, a computer, a play station, and a big bag of his favourite lollies. He is now having a big celebration party, and he wants you to join them.
Older son. No way! It sounds as though Dad has really gone crazy. Send him out to me please.
Home help. Whatever you say.
Footsteps.
Father. Yes son. What do you want?
Older son. Dad, have you gone completely crazy? That rotten brother of mine has dared to come home, and instead of sending him away, you have welcomed him back as though he had never done any wrong, It is just not fair.
Father. Son, you are with me always, and whatever is mine is yours also. But your brother was dead to me and now he is alive again, he was lost and now he is found. It is only right that we should celebrate his return.
Conclusion.
Narrator. Just like the forgiving father in this play, our heavenly Father waits patiently for his lost children to return home. And when we do, he welcomes us gladly. All our sins are forgiven and forgotten and there is much rejoicing in heaven.
I don't believe in God.
You will need two 'people' puppets, a boy and a girl. I have called them James and Jessica.
Jessica. How are you today James?
James. Great. I got good marks in my school test, so my Dad took me to see my favourite Soccer team play. They won 5 - 0, and then we stopped off at McDonald's for tea.
Jessica. That's wonderful, James. I hope that you gave God thanks for all the good things that have been happening to you.
James. I don't believe in God.
Jessica. Why do you say that James?
James. I think that I would like to believe in God. But there is no proof that He actually exists.
Jessica. But James, the proof of God is all around you.
James. I don't understand what you mean, Jessica.
Jessica. Just use your eyes. Look at the millions of stars, all the living things like flowers, birds, animals and people. Think about how wonderful they all are. They must have been made by a very clever Creator. Otherwise you have to believe that everything made itself, beginning with nothing!
James. I hadn't thought about it like that before. But if there is a God, why hasn't He sent someone to earth to tell us about Himself?
Jessica. He has. He has sent many messengers to us in fact. They were usually called Prophets, and we can read about everything they said in the Bible. The Bible is really God's love letter to you James. If you read it, you will get to know what God is really like, and how special you are to Him.
James. But if God really loves us, as you say, why hasn't He come to reveal Himself to us in person?
Jessica. Two thousand years ago. He did just that. He came to earth in human form. We called Him, Jesus.
James. But how do we know that Jesus was really God?
Jessica. He did things that only God could do. He defied the natural laws of the universe by doing miracles like multiplying matter, defying gravity, commanding nature (such as storms) to obey Him, commanding the sick to be healed and the dead to come back to life. And then He proved how much He really loves us by allowing Himself to be crucified on a cross so that we could be forgiven our wrongdoings.
James. That was a wonderful thing to do. But what a sad ending.
Jessica. That is not the ending, James. You see, death couldn't hold Jesus because He was faultless. Jesus took His life up again, and is alive for evermore.
James. You have given me something to think about, Jessica.
Jessica. Good. Remember that God has promised to reveal Himself to all those who genuinely seek Him.
# posted by Maurice Sweetsur @ 6:26 PM 
