Puppets at Large by Linda Bentley (Positive Press, 1 9048 6602 6, 18.95, 01225 719204)
Reviewed by Miranda Walker, playwork trainer and owner of Playtime Out of School Club and ABC Day Nursery in Cullompton, Devon
This book is intended for all practitioners in the early years. No experience is necessary, but readers are warned that 'using puppets with young children can be seriously addictive!'
In an accessible, chatty style the author explains how to start by choosing the right puppet. She talks about the importance of adults doing everything they can to sustain children's belief in the puppet and its world with tips on how to gather props and develop a suitable 'home' for your puppet.
Practitioners are encouraged to think carefully about the personality or characteristics that puppets will display, as these details bring the puppet to life. Reassuring advice on how to operate puppets and introduce them to children is supplied.
Puppets are an ideal learning tool as 'they are not only physically active in the learning process, but also interactive in the way they respond to children.'
Imaginative activities with puppets offer links to all areas of learning of the Foundation Stage. I really liked the 'puppet photo-shoot', which involves taking photos of puppets in various poses, and using them as a starting point for discussion.
