Puppets have been popular for generations. They can be used with babies and children on the spur of the moment, or you can create a series of activities with older children that build into a puppet show. The great thing about puppets is the way they can be used with many different ages and how easy they are to use or to make.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
There are many different types of puppets. It is worth building up a collection of puppets, but also materials that you could use to make them with older children:
Finger puppets. These take very little space, so can be popped into a bag for out and about. They are wonderful tools to distract toddlers, entertain babies or give something for older children to do while waiting.
Sock puppets. Sock puppets are easy to use and have the advantage that they can be made to have a mouth that opens and closes. You can make your own sock puppets that link to a theme or help older children to make them.
Spoon puppets. A simple wooden spoon can quickly become a puppet. This is an easy craft project to do with children and is very rewarding. Spoon puppets can be people but also turned into animals.
Shadow puppets. These are often shapes and cardboard cut-outs that are put onto wooden sticks or straws. When a torch or other light is shone in front of them, shadows are created. Older children will enjoy experimenting with them, while younger children will be fascinated by seeing the images that are made.
Hand puppets. Like cuddly toys, but can be brought to life because their heads and limbs move. The best hand puppets also have a moving mouth, which makes them more life-like. It is worth having some puppets that are just for your own use as well as a few small ones that are for children to use.
For babies
Puppets can be used in early play with babies. They can ‘hide’ and play ‘peek-a-boo’, helping children explore object permanence.
- Be soft and gentle when introducing babies to puppets. Consider using slow movements so that the baby can predict what is going to happen next.
- Make eye contact with the puppet and turn back to the baby.
- Talk to the puppet and make the appropriate gestures.
- Observe babies' reactions and stop if they seem anxious.
For toddlers
Toddlers will often believe puppets are real. This makes them a good tool to promote language.
- Introduce a puppet with slow movements.
- Talk to the puppet as if it is real and then make eye contact with the toddler.
- Tell the toddler what the puppet is saying or use a voice for it.
- Allow enough time for the toddler to respond.
- Consider using a puppet to help a child settle or as a distraction.
- Look out for finger puppets for toddlers to use themselves.
For three years plus
Children over three will enjoy talking to puppets even when they know that they are not real. They may also want to use and make them.
- Think about using puppets as a way of talking about emotions
- Show children how to make their puppet come to life, for example, moving it slowly or by talking to it.
- Look out for puppets that link to rhymes or books.
- Think about making simple puppets with children.
Developmental benefits
- Supports interaction as the puppets stimulate interests.
- Builds fine motor co-ordination as toddlers and older children learn to manipulate them.
- Provides opportunities for shared enjoyment and social interaction.
- Using puppets helps children's creativity and imagination, especially if they are involved in making the puppets.
- Can teach children about shadows and light if shadow puppets are used.
Finger puppets have the advantage of taking up little space
PHOTO ADOBESTOCKyour role
A good tip when using all puppets is to make slow, deliberate movements. This can make puppets come to life. With hand and finger puppets, it is worth putting one arm in front of the puppet so they have a ‘ground’ to perch on. If you talk directly to your puppet and make eye contact with it, it will help children feel that it is real. It is also exciting for children to see the puppet come out ‘alive’ from a bag or a box without them seeing you put it on.
