Puppet Pals HD
All the world's a stage with this easy, thematic story creation app
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Puppet Pals HD
Pros: Themed character packs guide the basic story while other options and voice recording let students' imagination flow.
Cons: Most character packs and use-your-own images require in-app purchases.
Bottom Line: Puppet Pals HD is a fun, creative way to help students learn thematic storytelling.
Puppet Pals can be incorporated into classroom lessons about about history, current events, science, storytelling, literary genres, and more. Read the guide with lesson ideas on the developer's website (specifically created for Puppet Pals 2 but also applicable to this version), which also includes tips to use the specific features of this app most effectively. Multiple students can work on a storyline together, incorporating story sound effects and voice acting for each character. Or, individual students can use this as a presentation or storytelling tool. Teachers may want to use one of the historical-based character packs (American history figures, characters from Medieval times, or Thanksgiving) or the current U.S. political figures pack to enliven the lessons in a unique, memorable way.
Puppet Pals HD offers an easy way for students to create and record their own storytelling scenes and develop fun voice-acting skills. Simply tap "Press to Start" and choose up to eight themed, move-able sticker-like characters from the available theme packs (in-app purchase required for most). Next, select up to five backgrounds. Swipe and pinch to place, resize, and move the characters within the background. Tap to record audio or swap backgrounds, then save and give the performance a title. The app includes one set of characters and sets, Fairy Tale, and there are others available for purchase at $0.99 each (or $4.99 for the full Director's Pass). Sets include American historical figures, politicians, wild west, pirates, and one called "War & Peace," which features people from the past who are known for war- or peace-making, such as Mother Teresa. The ability to cut people out of your real-life photos and use them as puppets or add backgrounds also requires an in-app purchase.
Students can learn about digital storytelling using Puppet Pals HD. While recording their own audio, students practice speaking clearly. If working with others, they can learn creative collaboration and dialogue. They can also observe how multiple forms of expression -- visuals, movement, voice acting, and sound effects -- come together to tell a story. When teachers provide some background information about the famous people in history or current politicians included as characters, students can also learn more subject-specific information in a memorable way.
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Digital Storytelling Coming Alive
I think Puppet Pals is a great teaching tool!!! It is easy to use for all children. I love how they have already characters and how you can add your own pictures for a more personalize story. Students want to go on it because they think it is fun and don't realize how much learning they are getting from being on it. If I could use this app more often I would! The movies the students made were so much fun to watch and share with their parents.
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