#3731. Using Puppets

other, level: Pre-School
Posted Wed Apr 12 12:39:30 PDT 2006 by Niamh Collins (niamh.collins@teachers.tv).
Watch a programme on "Using Puppets"
Teachers TV, United Kingdom
Materials Required: A puppet
Activity Time: 15-30 minutes
Concepts Taught: Look at a variety of ways puppets can be effective in the classroom

Using Puppets in the Classroom

Early years advisors Sheila Sage and Sue Durant share their enjoyment of working with puppets. They explain how puppets can be used in a variety of ways, beginning with introducing puppets to the class.

Sheila emphasises how important it is for practitioners to feel comfortable with the puppets they use, practicing with a colleague or in front of the mirror before working with children. We see initial reactions to Bernard, whom Sheila brings along to St John's First School. Later we meet a hand puppet who lacks numeracy skills and needs the children's help to learn to count.

Puppets can encourage PSHE skills in an unthreatening way, such as using a handkerchief, not interrupting or being a bully, as well as developing empathy, imagination and communication. Sue and Sheila explain how sometimes the quietest child will begin to talk to a puppet.

Key points:

-Encourage the quietest pupils to start talking
-Use a male puppet to avoid confusion with dolls
-Look at a variety of ways puppets can be effective in the classroom