Lions and tigers and bears . . . oh, my! Puppets are fun for the brave and the shy!
I have developed a career around building literacy skills. Many children with special needs and English language learners are hesitant to express themselves. Making a puppet “talk” can be nonthreatening way to allow these children to try out their language skills.
Puppets are also a great way to focus students’ attention and encourage interest in a lesson or story. Children are fascinated by puppets. The positive emotions that these puppets elicit stimulate the brain and encourage retention.
Puppets can be bought from many sources. It is also fun to make your own. There are many types of puppets. Stick puppets can easily be made by upcycling small stuffed animals.
- Choose a stuffed toy (garage sales, parent donations, and second-hand stores are a great source).
- Use scissors or a utility knife to make a small cut in the bottom of the toy.
- Insert a dowel or old wooden spoon (these work great - more surface area inside to stabilize the puppet) in the opening.
- Use hot glue to seal the opening.
- Have fun!
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