Free Printable Little Red Hen Puppets – Looking for free printable Little Red Hen puppets? These simple stick or paper puppets help kids retell the classic folktale, build literacy skills, and enjoy hands-on storytelling at home or in the classroom.
The Little Red Hen story teaches hard work, responsibility, and fairness through a hardworking hen who plants wheat, harvests it, and bakes bread while her animal friends refuse to help—until it’s time to eat. Free printable Little Red Hen puppets make the tale interactive for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary children across the USA.
Why Use Free Printable Little Red Hen Puppets?
Printable puppets turn passive listening into active retelling. Kids practice sequencing events, using repetitive phrases (“Not I!”), and developing fine motor skills by cutting and assembling. Teachers and parents use them for literacy centers, dramatic play, reader’s theater, or simple family story time. Color versions are ready to use; black-and-white ones let children color their own characters.
Where to Find Legitimate Free Printable Little Red Hen Puppets?
Here are trusted sources offering free, downloadable templates you can print right away. Always check the site’s terms of use (most allow personal and classroom use).
One reliable option is the free stick puppet set from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games. It includes the Little Red Hen, dog, cat, mouse, goose, and pig in both full color and black-and-white. Print, cut, and attach to craft sticks. Download the free PDF here: Little Red Hen Story Printable Puppets (direct Google Drive file available on the page).
Another excellent free resource is DLTK’s Educational Activities. Their printable felt-board character sheets work perfectly as stick puppets. Print the color or black-and-white templates featuring the hen, chicks, mouse, cat, pig, and related story items (wheat, bread, etc.). Cut them out and tape to popsicle sticks or pencils. Access the free templates here: Little Red Hen Felt Board Characters (Use as Puppets).
These two sources provide clear, ready-to-print files without requiring payment. Avoid sites that claim “free” but gate content behind paid memberships or unclear downloads.
Free Printable Little Red Hen Puppets
How to Make and Use Your Little Red Hen Puppets?
- Print the templates on regular paper or cardstock for durability.
- Color the black-and-white versions if desired.
- Cut carefully around each character.
- Tape or glue each figure to a craft stick, popsicle stick, or unsharpened pencil.
- Optional: Laminate for repeated classroom use.
Set up a simple storytelling center with a copy of the book, the puppets, and space for kids to act out the scenes. Read the story first, then invite children to retell it using the puppets. This works well for ages 3–7 and supports early literacy goals common in U.S. preschool and kindergarten programs.
Tips for Best Results
- Print multiple sets so small groups can perform together.
- Pair the puppets with a free printable story sequence activity if available on the same sites.
- Store puppets in a labeled bag or box for easy reuse during fall harvest themes or farm units.
- Supervise young children with scissors.
FAQ
Are these Little Red Hen puppets really free?
Yes. The linked resources from Kindergarten Worksheets and Games and DLTK offer free personal and classroom downloads with no payment required.
What characters are usually included?
Most free sets feature the Little Red Hen plus common helpers such as the cat, dog, pig, mouse/rat, goose/duck. Versions of the story vary slightly, so many printables include extras.
Can I use these in a classroom or homeschool?
Yes. Both recommended sources explicitly allow classroom and home use. Do not sell or repost the files.
Do I need special supplies?
Just a printer, paper or cardstock, scissors, tape or glue, and craft sticks.
Free printable Little Red Hen puppets offer an easy, low-cost way to bring this beloved American-adapted folktale to life. Download the templates from the trusted links above, print a set, and watch kids engage with the story through play. Happy storytelling!