Puppets are a fun medium for teaching preschoolers different skills. The most commonly used form of teaching with puppets is using them with literature units. However, the versatility of puppets makes them useful when teaching manners, socialization, Bible verses and other basic educational skills. Teaching with puppets requires creativity and quick thinking skills, but overall it requires the ability to engage the children with the puppets.
Instructions
1. Choose a theme the puppets can teach. Basic skills include letter sounds, counting, simple spelling and creative reading. Specialized skills include manners, overcoming fears, emotions, Bible verses and community helpers.
2. Give the puppets names based on the theme you're eaching. For example, some good puppet names might be Bashful Bear, Frightened Fairy, Polite Pete or Silly Snake.
3. Create voices for the puppets. Large puppets such as bears or dinosaurs can have deep voices, while small puppets such as bunnies and cats can have higher pitched voices.
4. Design an area for performing puppet shows. This can be a large rug on the floor or a table decorated like a puppet theater.
5. Use the puppets when teaching songs. Sing songs about letter sounds, manners, stories and numbers.
6. Provide repetition with the puppet shows. Preschoolers learn best through repetition, so sing the same songs and perform the same acts throughout the week.
7. Have fun when teaching with the puppets. Let the kids use the puppets or design their own. Create paper bag puppets for each child so the class can put on their own puppet shows.
Tags: with puppets, puppet shows, when teaching, Bible verses, letter sounds