Paper bag puppets introduce cutting basic shapes. Draw triangles, circles and squares on construction paper and let the kids practice cutting the shapes out. Then help the children use the shapes to make a face for their puppet: triangles for ears, circles for eyes and a square for a nose. Encourage children to glue the shapes onto their bags themselves.
For children who have had some practice with scissors already, print out pictures of the faces of their favorite characters. You can find free printable characters on the websites for Disney Channel, Nick Jr., and PBS Sprout. After the faces are cut out, help the children to cut the face in half approximately across the character's mouth. Glue the two pieces to the paper bag so that when the child puts his hand in the bag, he can make the puppet talk.
Take pictures of each child several days before making stick puppets. Take either full-body pictures or a close-up of the face. Whichever way you choose, be consistent and do the same for each child. Ask the child to cut out the picture of him and glue it to a Popsicle stick. This is a more difficult cutting task that tests a child's skill and challenges him to work harder at cutting.
Another option for stick puppets is to print out all the letters of the alphabet at least 6 inches tall and have each child cut out a different letter. Glue all of the letters to the craft sticks for an entire alphabet of stick puppets that can be used during phonics lessons all year long.
Children who are doing well with scissors may be ready to try making sock puppets. They can "clothes" out of fabric scraps to make outfits for their sock puppet. Cutting fabric is more challenging than cutting paper and will give the children a chance to really strengthen their hand control.
Children can practice cutting yarn to make hair for sock puppets. Have them focus on trying to cut all of the pieces to the same size. Once the yarn is cut, tie the strands together and glue the yarn wigs to the puppet. Remember, sock puppets are not complete without googly eyes, so help the children glue those on as well.