Not all princesses have happy endings with the marrying of a prince. Some princesses create their own happy endings by taking a stand for what is right. I feel that in today’s world it is more important than ever before to teach girls that they are valuable, beautiful and matter…regardless of how they look or feel. All girls are princesses and get to respect themselves. The book The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch is such a great reminder that their are characters that come to their senses and create their own futures, despite the traditional fairy tale scenarios. This book is witty, funny and ridiculously meaningful. The main character, Elizabeth, is the princess.
There are several ways to create connections to this book to deepen the meaning for children. I LOVE this first one because I made it using my Me and My Peeps die from Ellison Education. It is a paper doll of Elizabeth wearing her paper bag.
To create this project, you will need a few things:
- Die Cut Machine (Ellison Superstar)
- Die of Me and My Peeps Girl
- Chipboard
- Paper Bag
- Glitter Paper
- Glue
- Black Marker
- Yarn (if desired for hair)
Cut the doll out of the chipboard and the crown out of the glitter paper.
Cut two sets of overalls from the paper bag.
Trip the bottom off of the overalls, one longer than the other for the back of the doll, and outline with black marker. Glue them to the doll and add yard for hair if desired. The glitter paper crown is so fun too.
Because The Paper Bag Princess is about being able to stand for your best self, this activity is a great one for empowering kids. Each kid can make a bag dress like photographed and fill it with words that make them unique. They can come up with their own words or work in groups to support each other with great ideas.
CHEERS to literature and creating connections that work to make kids the best they can be!
XO,
Laura