Halloween is a magical time for children — spooky decorations, cute costumes, glowing pumpkins, and creative DIY fun everywhere! While trick-or-treating and carving jack-o-lanterns are classic traditions, crafting opens the door to imagination and storytelling. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly Halloween activity, this Paper Bag Ghost Puppet Craft is perfect — simple, adorable, and great for puppet shows!
With just a paper bag, some colored paper, scissors, and glue, kids can bring a playful ghost character to life. Whether you’re a parent planning a cozy craft evening, a teacher creating a classroom lesson, or a childcare provider preparing Halloween fun, this ghost puppet brings giggles, creativity, and pretend-play magic.
Let’s float into some ghostly crafting! 👻✨
🎃 Why Kids Love Ghost Puppets
Children love Halloween crafts for the same reason they love pretend play — it gives them a chance to explore imagination and emotions in a joyful and safe way. Ghost puppets help:
- Develop fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, tracing)
- Encourage storytelling and expressive language
- Build confidence during puppet shows
- Strengthen creativity and design choices
- Support seasonal learning themes in preschool & early grades
Craft + pretend play = happy brains learning creatively!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
Gather simple craft essentials:
- White craft paper or cardstock
- Paper lunch bag (white or brown works)
- Colored craft paper (for hat, pumpkin, accents)
- Glue stick or child-safe craft glue
- Safety scissors
- Pencil
- Black marker or Sharpie
- Optional: googly eyes, glitter glue, felt scraps
Keep everything within easy reach — and protect the table if using wet glue.
👻 Step-by-Step: Paper Bag Ghost Puppet Craft
✅ Step 1: Prepare Your Paper Bag Base
Lay the paper bag flat on the table with the folded flap facing up — this will become the ghost’s face.
✅ Step 2: Cut the Ghost Shapes
Trace and cut:
- Oval or rounded ghost head
- Wavy ghost body front layer to glue on top of bag
- Small hands (optional)
- A little hat or bow for decoration
- Pumpkin cut-out for a Halloween accessory (optional)
Encourage kids to draw their own shapes if they’re comfortable — it boosts independence!
✅ Step 3: Attach the Body
Glue the ghost body piece onto the front of the bag, leaving the flap area clear for the head.
✅ Step 4: Make the Ghost Face
Draw or glue on:
- Oval eyes (cute or spooky!)
- A tiny smile, surprised face, or silly expression
Tip: Let children choose the emotion — happy ghosts are super cute!
✅ Step 5: Add Fun Decorations
Add personality:
- Witch hat 🎩
- Bow tie 🎀
- Pumpkin or little candy bucket 🎃
- Sparkly stars or glitter touches ✨
Let kids explore — every ghost should be unique!
✅ Step 6: Add Arms
Glue the little hands on either side of the puppet. They can hold the pumpkin, or wave “boo!” 👋👻
✅ Step 7: Let It Dry
Allow the ghost to dry before playtime — especially if using wet glue.
🎭 Time for a Halloween Puppet Show!
Once the puppets are ready, the real fun begins. Puppet shows build:
- Confidence
- Language and social skills
- Humor and imagination
- Emotional development
Fun ghost show ideas:
👻 The Friendly Ghost Parade
🎃 The Pumpkin Patch Mystery
🧙 Ghost, Witch & Monster Make Friends
🍬 Candy Hunt Adventure
Set up a mini stage using a cardboard box or blanket fort — instant theatre magic!
🧠 Educational Tie-Ins
This craft supports:
| Skill | Concept |
| Fine motor | Cutting, gluing, drawing |
| Language & imagination | Puppet storytelling |
| Math | Shapes, counting pieces |
| Art | Designing characters |
| Social-emotional learning | Role-play + emotions |
Add learning by asking:
- What does your ghost sound like?
- What will your puppet say?
- Can your puppet be kind or brave?
- What colors will your ghost have?
Creativity first — always ❤️
🎒 Classroom & Group Craft Tips
- Pre-cut pieces for younger groups
- Provide a quiet drying area
- Create a puppet wall display
- Use craft trays for organized supplies
- Make a “ghost family” classroom theatre
Turn this into a center-based activity for preschool or kindergarten!
📦 Story Extension Ideas
Pair the craft with:
📚 Friendly ghost storybooks
🎵 Halloween nursery rhymes
💬 Circle time on emotions: “Is this ghost happy or shy?”
⚙️ STEM: Make a puppet stage with recycled materials
Crafts become richer when combined with learning moments.
🌟 Why This Craft Works for All Ages
- Toddlers can decorate pre-cut shapes
- Preschoolers love glue + simple cutting practice
- Grade-school kids design full characters & scripts
- Tweens add creative details & accessories
It’s scalable, low-mess, and adorable — a win for everyone.
✅ Safety Notes
✔ Use kid-safe scissors
✔ Supervise cutting
✔ Non-toxic glue only
✔ Keep tiny decorations away from toddlers
🎃 Final Thought
Halloween doesn’t have to be spooky or sugar-filled — it can be creative, imaginative, and full of storytelling joy. This paper bag ghost puppet invites children to express themselves, explore emotions, and bring characters to life using simple tools and big imagination.
When little hands make their own Halloween magic, the season becomes even more meaningful ✨
So grab a paper bag and some glue — let’s craft a friendly ghost crew ready for a BOO-tiful puppet show! 👻💛
Happy Halloween crafting!
🔑 Focus Keyword
Paper bag ghost puppet craft for kids
📌 Related Keywords
- Halloween crafts for preschoolers
- DIY ghost puppet
- Paper bag puppet ideas
- Easy Halloween art
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🏷 Tags
Halloween Crafts, Ghost Crafts, Paper Bag Puppets, Preschool Art Ideas, DIY Kids Craft, Fall Activities, Puppet Show Crafts