The Puppet; A Vessel Full of Opportunities
Create a tool that enhances connection and helps children express themselves better
In every group, there's always one, a puppet. In the puppet corner, as part of a method, or as a class puppet.
It makes sense, because a puppet can do something that you, as a teacher, can't: connect with children on an equal level. This encourages children to talk more freely to a puppet and be more easily challenged by it. As a result, you get to see more of the children and can better understand their needs.
My work with puppets began in education; I've been a teacher for 10 years and have also worked in childcare for a year. I've worked in various groups, with different ages, and I've always used a puppet. Mainly because the puppet made my work easier and more enjoyable. Not just for the kids, but also for myself. My experiences with the puppet in the classroom led me to become a puppet coach and start my own business.
You probably already know these benefits of the puppet:
Enhanced Engagement and Interaction
A puppet fosters better engagement from children and encourages interaction. Children often show more of themselves in the presence of a puppet and feel secure in expressing themselves, asking questions, and taking on challenges
Strengthened Development of Social Skills
Through interacting with a puppet, children learn social skills like communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and empathy. The puppet serves as an interactive friend with whom children can practice and experiment
Fostering Language and Expressive Skills
Puppets encourage children to speak, learn new words, and use them, as well as make themselves understood. They stimulate both verbal and non-verbal communication, thereby helping children develop their language skills and express emotions
Support in Educational Activities and Learning Processes
Puppets can appear in various lessons and subject areas, such as language, math, thematic learning, and socio-emotional development. They make learning more engaging, interactive, and can make content more accessible.
My experience is that the puppet in the classroom is different from the puppet you see in a show, on Sesame Street, in YouTube videos, or in a puppet theater. The puppet as a tool is not an act. As an act, it only works for a very small group of teachers, for those who are comfortable taking the stage and have above-average acting skills.
The puppet I have in mind when talking about it as a pedagogical tool is one that anyone can bring to life who is driven by the desire for a different kind of contact with children. Anyone who wants to use more playful approaches and penetrate to deeper layers of the child.
This puppet can be combined with your tasks as a teacher or childcare worker and will greatly enrich your work when you continue to see it through the eyes of children. This doesn't happen overnight. It requires practice and perseverance, and it often leads to frustrations.
If you're willing to undertake this, know that you're not alone and that you don't have to reinvent the wheel for everything. At the very least, join my Facebook group to meet like-minded people. I can help you forge a path that's easy to follow; just send me an email if you want to discuss this with me: helen@helenmeurs.com.
I'd be happy to help you get started. It doesn't have to be that complicated. Really.
The Hand Puppet as an Educational Tool is a comprehensive guide to incorporating hand puppets seamlessly into your teaching arsenal. With step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and inspiring teaching exercises, you'll be able to create a safe and dynamic space for children to grow, learn, and express themselves in a way that suits them best.
Read my Book
Discover the educational benefits of using hand puppets to stimulate a child’s mind and encourage them to better express and challenge themselves in life. Unleash the Power of Playful Learning with The Hand Puppet as an Educational Tool
- Discover why children respond so well to hand puppets and the educational benefits they offer.
- Learn how to transform a hand puppet into a powerful educational tool.
- Explore the different styles of hand puppets and discover which ones work best for your teaching goals.
- Dive into a world of possibilities with hand puppets, exploring various lessons and activities.
- Master the art of puppetry and develop a strong connection with your students.
- Gain expert guidance on introducing hand puppets into your classroom and maximizing their impact.
- And much more!
A Playful Membership
The Puppet Power PlaySchool is designed for those who own a puppet but are not using it in the way they had initially envisioned. Whether you are facing barriers, feeling self-doubt, striving for perfection, encountering children who don't respond in the expected manner, working alongside skeptical colleagues, or simply struggling to find the time to meaningfully engage with your puppet—this space addresses all these issues and more.
In the Puppet Power PlaySchool, we tackle these challenges head-on. It's not a course you enroll in; it's a nurturing environment where you can explore the untapped potential of your puppet. You will become increasingly comfortable with your puppet, discovering diverse and effective approaches to interaction.
You're welcome to attend my weekly meetings for hands-on learning, or if your schedule doesn't permit, you can take advantage of the replay sessions to pick up new skills and insights at your convenience. It's entirely up to you how you wish to participate.
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