Hand puppets are used in various sectors where one deals with 0 – 9 year olds. Let’s see which sectors then include:

  1. Education: Hand puppets are often used in preschools, elementary schools and after-school programs to teach, motivate and engage children in the learning process. They can be used to support various subjects and skills, such as language development, math, social-emotional skills and more.
  2. Daycare: Hand puppets can be used in daycare centers and preschools to help young children’s development, communication and social interaction. For example, they can be used during read-aloud sessions, song singing, role play and other activities that promote the child’s growth and development.
  3. Therapy and counseling: Hand puppets can be an effective tool for therapists, counselors and social workers working with children. They can be used to help children express emotions, practice social skills, and cope with difficult situations, such as divorce, loss, or bullying.
  4. Special education: Hand puppets can be useful for working with children with special needs, such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities or communication disorders. They can help teach social skills, improve communication and reduce anxiety.
  5. Healthcare: Hand puppets can be used by pediatricians, nurses and other healthcare providers to help children feel comfortable during medical examinations, treatments or hospital stays. They can also be used to teach children about health, hygiene and safety.
  6. Libraries and cultural institutions: Hand puppets can be used during read-aloud sessions, workshops or other educational activities in libraries, museums or cultural centers to engage children and increase their interest in reading, arts and culture.
  7. Entertainment: Hand puppets are also used in children’s theater, puppetry and television programs to entertain children while conveying important lessons and values.

In all of these sectors, hand puppets can be a valuable tool for engaging, teaching and supporting children’s development.

Do you work in any of the first 6 sectors and could use some information on how you could concretely use the hand puppet? Please send an email to helen@helenmeurs.com, I will be happy to help you. Subscribing to my mailing list also helps 🙂

Author

I am a former teacher, passionate trainer, and author of the book 'The Hand Puppet as an Educational Tool'. As an expert in using hand puppets to strengthen relationships, challenge language development, and increase children's engagement, I work with parents, educators, childcare professionals, counselors, therapists and others who want to use a puppet as a bridgebuilder. I teach you how to bring a hand puppet to life, make it recognizable, and effectively integrate it into your conversations and activities. My playful and relationship-oriented approach helps you see more from children, communicate with them in different ways, and enhance their participation.

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Published in a renowned Dutch professional journal for early childhood specialists.

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