We Can Learn a Lot from Puppets
Children (and grown-ups alike) are fascinated by puppets. For proof, look no farther than the long-lasting popularity of the Muppets, created in 1955 by Jim and Jane Henson. Putting puppets into the hands of preschool kids can lead to valuable learning experiences in many developmental areas.
Puppets Supplement Our Preschool Curriculum
At The Academy, we often supplement our preschool curriculum with puppet activities to assist in these developmental areas:
- Creativity and imagination
- Emotional development
- Social interaction
- Communication
- Language skills
- Leadership
- Listening
We use puppets as part of the classroom experience in numerous ways. Activities can include actually making puppets, doing puppet shows, storytelling, role-playing, and sing-a-longs.
Our goal is to give preschool children the highest quality education in a fun and safe environment. And puppets certainly add to the fun. We invite you to explore our locations. We currently have 1 preschools in Nashville, 5 preschools in Franklin TN, 2 Preschools in Brentwood TN and 1 preschool location each in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Spring Hill.
Why Puppets are Wonderful Learning Tools
Having a little puppet talk directly to you, just draws you in. They are so engaging. And puppets provide a sense of security that makes it easier for a child to express thoughts and feelings. Talking to a puppet or through a puppet is more comfortable because it takes the pressure off the child. The attention is on the puppet. A puppet can be a “friend” to talk to or a way to talk to other children.When a child in daycare is able to talk through a puppet without speaking directly, sharing isn’t so scary.
Using Puppets at Home
We use hand puppets, finger puppets, and marionettes. But you don’t have to have fancy puppets to capture a child’s interest. You can even use your bare hand!
At home, try making a puppet by using a sock or a small brown paper lunch bag to cover your hand. Or let your child make a puppet by gluing a picture to a popsicle stick. Then let the fun begin.