Born in Leland, MS, James “Jim” Maury Henson is the world’s most famous puppeteer and a master storyteller. Henson told stories through innovation, invention, and inspiration.
Innovation
Jim Henson changed the world of puppeteering forever. For many years, puppets were mostly figures made of wood or other hard materials and their expressions could not change. Henson used resourcefulness and innovation to construct puppets out of rubber, foam, felt, and small metal bars used to control their limbs. Henson called these creations “muppets,” combining the words “marionette” and “puppet.” The Muppets have inspired and influenced puppeteers around the world ever since.
On loan from The Jim Henson Company
© 2021 The Jim Henson Company. JIM HENSON’S mark & logo, FRAGGLE ROCK mark & logo, characters and elements are trademarks of The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.
Discussion
K-3rd Grade
- What can you use to make a puppet?
- If you had to invent a new word, what would it be? What would it mean?
4th-6th Grade
- Who do you know that was an innovator in their field?
- “Muppet” is now a part of everyday speech. This “made-up” word has become commonplace. What does this teach us about language?
Vocabulary
K-3rd Grade
- Puppeteer (noun): a person who controls puppets
- Construct (verb): to build
4th-6th Grade
- Innovation (noun): generating new ideas
- Resourceful (adjective): using one’s surroundings to accomplish a task
- Marionette (noun): a puppet controlled by strings
- Portmanteau (noun): a word formed by blending two words together (Example: Marionette + Puppet = Muppet)
Invention
Jim Henson revolutionized puppetry, entertainment, and education by inventing new ways for puppets to communicate with audiences. Henson invented so many new ways of puppeteering that he founded Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Through the Creature Shop, animatronic puppet control systems were created which enabled puppets to appear almost life-like. This control system was named the Henson Performance Control System in honor of the Creature Shop’s founder.
Discussion
K-3rd Grade
- If you started a shop, what would you sell?
- What can you control with technology?
4th-6th Grade
- The puppets controlled by the Henson Performance Control System are animatronic robots. What are some other roles robots play in our society?
Vocabulary
K-3rd Grade
- Invent (verb): to create something entirely new
- Creature (noun): a living being
4th-6th Grade
- Revolutionize (verb): to change something in a big way
- Found (verb): to start a new organization or group
- Animatronic (noun): a life-like robot
Discussion
K-3rd Grade
- How do you want to change the world?
- Who do you want to inspire?
4th-6th Grade
- How do you want to change the world?
- What is something you can do today to inspire the world to be a better place?
Vocabulary
K-3rd Grade
- Digital (adjective): having to do with information on a computer
- Inspire (verb): to cause an idea or something to happen
4th-6th Grade
- Performer (noun): someone who entertains an audience
- Basis (noun): the support or foundation of something
