Create a M'gillah, Purim Puppets, and a Haman Piñata

Adults should supervise and assist with each of these activities. They also can research the background and ask questions of the children.  For example, when making groggers, an adult might ask, “Why are groggers used?”  When making hamantaschen, he or she might ask, “What’s your favorite hamantaschen filling?”

Create a large M'gillah

Involve children in writing a M'gillah to enhance their understanding of the Book of Esther.  

• Use one really long section of butcher paper.
• Have adults or older children outline illustrations and write the text
• Younger children can use paint or markers to color in the pictures.
• When it’s finished, the older children can read the M'gillah while the younger ones act out the story.

Make Purim Puppets

From stick puppets to sock puppets to paper bag puppets, there are many different kinds of puppets. 

• Begin with a brown paper bag or a clean sock.
• Using glue (on a protected tabletop), decorate the bag or sock with felt or other colorful fabrics, buttons, yarn, markers or other materials.
• Use a shoe box or poster board to create a stage and setting for your puppets.
• Minor characters can be created using Popsicle sticks and brightly colored paper or on the fingers of an old glove.
• Once the puppets are finished, children can, working together, use them to retell the story of Purim.

Make a Haman Piñata

A piñata is always fun.  Here’s an easy way to make one for Purim:

• Paint Haman’s face on a large paper bag.
• Fill the bag with candy and small toys and tie or staple it closed.
• Using string, hang it from the ceiling (away from furniture, lamps and other breakable items).
• While singing Purim songs or telling the Purim story, give each child (wearing a blindfold) a chance to hit the bag with a stick.
• When it breaks, the children can share the candy and toys.