Puppets in the Classroom

You might be surprised how puppets can add to a classroom. When looking for school supplies for teachers, do not only stick with the pen, paper and maybe some posters. Get a puppet. Younger children love them and older children will laugh at them and at you. You will be surprised how they remember what your puppet says!

Try pulling out a crazy looking puppet to convey rules, to sing a silly song to help them remember something, to teach social behaviors where the puppet does everything wrong. You do not have to be a great ventriloquist, just talk and use a silly voice. I used a puppet this past year, Tina, and she was loved by all. It is a great school supply for teachers and it doesn't have to come out very often. I chose to have her help me with the calendar and with letter of the day. She was funny and the kids asked to see her all the time.

Some tips when using puppets:

(1) Make sure you have a "home" for the puppet and never let the kids play with or take him/her out of its home because it remains real and a mystery for them.

(2) Don't let kids touch him or her.

(3) Use a silly voice.

(4) Have fun!!

Find ways to incorporate the not so normal school supplies for teachers and your classroom will come to life!