Using a collection of socks of different lengths, patterns and colors transforms this project into a lesson in diversity. Give each child a sock and show him how to sew a button nose on the end. Even kindergartners can learn to sew using blunt upholstery needles and embroidery thread. Let children select buttons, pom-poms, beads, ribbon and googly eyes to glue on their puppets. You can also cut felt into eye shapes or give children pieces of yarn to use as hair.
Cut two eye holes in paper plates and give one to each child. He can decorate the back of the plate with tempera paint, crayons or markers. Let your kindergartner glue feathers, fake fur or strips of fabric to the edges. When the glue dries, these elements will move as the child moves and holds the mask in front of his face. Make a handle for the mask by stapling the paper plate mask to the end of a tongue depressor.