Cloud Child
It's a windy day - perfect for hanging out the washing, but there is a surprise on the washing line. A child from the clouds is caught up in the sheets. How can we make friends when we are from different worlds?
The Song Room is proud to present the internationally acclaimed Cloud Child puppet show created by Perth based company DNA Puppetry.
Watch the absorbing performance of Cloud Child with children then explore the five related craft videos to make Cloud Child dolls, rainbow swirls and more! Children will enjoy watching Cloud Child again and again.
Cloud Child is a highly visual, non-verbal show that includes Makaton sign language to support children with diverse learning needs. This course outlines how educators and parents can create multi-sensory creative play experiences for children by using tactile objects that complement the performance. Creative play can support children to develop communication skills, imaginative thinking, self-expression and it is a beautiful way to strengthen the bond between adults and children.
Video - Introduction to Cloud Child
These step by step activity sheets can be downloaded and used in parallel with the Cloud Child craft tutorial videos above.
The Curriculum Alignment document below maps this course against the Australian Early Years Learning Framework.
How to use this Resource
Parents and educators can use the craft tutorial videos to learn how to make beautiful Cloud Child Dolls or Cloud Cushions that children can play with or cuddle as they watch the Cloud Child story unfold. These interactive experiences will help children make connections to the themes in the show. For example, a child may wrap themselves in a blanket or cloth and pretend to be the Cloud Child and then re-enact parts of the story using role play. Adults can encourage this process by modelling, copying and extending the play or by becoming the mother or father figures from the story. This process can affirm and validate children's ideas and can increase children's confidence.
The Cloud Child performance is designed to be a highly interactive experience for young children. Ideally, the performance video is combined with some of the tactile activities outlined in the Before You Watch, As You Watch and After You Watch sections of this resource.
Cloud Child Craft Activities
Watch the craft tutorial videos and make these items with or for children. The tutorials include:
A bird puppet that children can fly in the sky.
A baby cloud cushion that children can cuddle.
A Cloud Child doll that children can care for as they watch the video.
A rainbow swirl stick that children can twirl in the wind.
A Rain Cloud toy that children can use in water play.
About the Director and Content Author Rachel Riggs
Originally from the UK, Rachel is an internationally experienced visual theatre artist and producer who designs & directs theatrical works for all ages using traditional and contemporary puppetry techniques. She devises and creates theatre projects for indoors & outdoors with professionals, community groups and young people, collaborating together to visually tell stories. She initiates exciting and innovative practical arts projects. She currently lives in Perth.
Visit dnapuppetry.wordpress.com for more information.
Cloud Child gives young children a unique opportunity to explore wellbeing, relationships and imaginative play.
This is a valuable resource to support the Early Years Learning Framework. It can specifically aide the development of Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity. The Cloud Child puppet show themes and interactive activities create a meaningful stimulus to support children to feel safe, secure and supported.
This resource can also be used to support the development of Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Specifically, this resources outlines techniques for supporting children to engage in role play and creative expression.
Produced by The Song Room and Elisa Williams with support from the Ian Potter Foundation
Special thanks to Director and Content Author Rachel Riggs, Puppeteer Adam Bennett and Performer Lynda Moylan
Original score by Verbal Vigilante
Cloud Child
puppet play by DNA Puppetry and Visual Theatre
Video production by VAM Media
Before You Watch
Before you share the Cloud Child performance video with your children, hear from the Director, Rachel Riggs, as she introduces the story and shares her ideas for using the performance as part of an interactive and immersive experience for children.
Here are some specific preparation ideas that can maximise children's enjoyment and engagement with the Cloud Child performance video:
Lay down soft grey, blue or white rugs for the children to sit on.
Draw and cut out clouds on white paper and stick them to the walls.
Gather stacks of soft "cloud coloured" cushions for children to sit on or cuddle.
Fill a basket with the fabric of different "cloud like" materials such as white towels, white net curtains, sparkly fabric, tea towels or white sheets.
Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of lavender oil and spray this on a damp towel or other materials to support sensory engagement.
Fill a small basket with cotton wool balls so children can play with these and pretend they are tiny clouds floating in the sky.
Follow the Paper Bird tutorial and perch it in the room ready for the children to play with.
Follow the Cloud Cushion tutorial so that children can hold these while they watch.
While You Watch
As you play the Cloud Child Performance video encourage children to make connections between the Cloud Child show and any materials that have been set up in the room. For example, a child may wrap themselves in a blanket or cloth and become a cloud child and begin re-enacting parts of the story.
Parents and educators can support creative play by modelling and extending children's ideas. This could include pretending to be a parent from the story or acting out a child's idea. This process affirms and validates children's ideas which can extend their confidence. It is important to let the children engage in imaginative play and exploration while watching the video.
Consider playing the video more than once and allow children to build on their creative experiences as they become familiar with the characters and the story of Cloud Child.
As you play the Cloud Child Performance video encourage children to make connections between the Cloud Child show and any materials that have been set up in the room. For example, a child may wrap themselves in a blanket or cloth and become a cloud child and begin re-enacting parts of the story.
Parents and educators can support creative play by modelling and extending children's ideas. This could include pretending to be a parent from the story or acting out a child's idea. This process affirms and validates children's ideas which can extend their confidence. It is important to let the children engage in imaginative play and exploration while watching the video.
Consider playing the video more than once and allow children to build on their creative experiences as they become familiar with the characters and the story of Cloud Child.
After You Watch
After watching the Cloud Child performance video consider using any of the following activities to promote children's creative play:
Make an indoor or outdoor washing line with rope and hang out some washing together. While pegging up the washing, play peek-a- boo or revel in the sensory aspects of the activity like the washing moving in the wind. If indoors, consider using an electric fan to create a playful windy space that washing and other props can move about in.
Ask children to draw images they remember from the story.
Watch the Rainbow Swirl tutorial to make Rainbow sticks that children can swirl in the wind.
Watch the Raincloud tutorial to make rainclouds to pin up on a washing line. Show children how to spray water at the clouds and then they can watch as the rain drips out from the clouds.