Puppets have a long history in storytelling and education across many cultures. Puppetry developed historically alongside oral tradition. Teachers should introduce puppets regularly in the classroom by modeling their use during group time and activities. Puppet play can contribute to children's development. Teachers can focus on the creative process and acknowledge how puppets support different learning styles. A variety of easy-to-make puppets are described that can be used across the curriculum to enhance storytelling, language, cooperation and problem solving skills. Puppets have also been influential in television programming for children.

1. Chapter 11 Puppets

2. Overview Storytelling and puppetry are ancient forms of oral tradition that developed historically in the same way In early childhood education, a puppet is whatever a child says it is!

3. Historical View of Puppets China and India Indonesia Flat, leather shadow puppets Three-dimensional rod puppets Vietnam Water puppetry Africa Puppet pageantry

4. Historical View of Puppets (continued) Japan Bunraku Refined from rod puppetry Requires three puppeteers Europe Punch and Judy From Italian Pucinella South America Mamulengo

5. Planning for Puppets in Early Education The teacher and the children should decide when and how to use puppets Teachers should: Choose a puppet for themselves Get comfortable with the puppet Practice Use puppets regularly

6. Introducing Puppets The teacher should model the use of puppets during group time across curricular areas The teacher and children should create and use puppets together Individual children or groups of children should make and interact with puppets

7. Setting Up the Environment and Introducing Activities Focus on the process Acknowledge how puppet play contributes to the development of the whole child Introduce the puppets Types depend on ages and development of children Use different types Alternate activities to address needs of learning styles and developmental domains

8. Easy-to-Make Puppets Hand puppets Finger puppets Hand, glove, and mitt puppets Stick or rod puppets Single stick—dowel rod, tongue depressor, craft stick, and the like Wooden spoon Marionettes Controlled by strings

9. Other Types of Puppets Shadow puppets Translucent screen Light source from behind Papier-mâché puppets Newspaper strips and paste Cloth bodies

10. Materials Puppet patterns Box for “Puppet Materials” Materials that include:

11. Suggestions for Placement and Storage of Puppets Puppet center Place puppets throughout the classroom Stage not necessary for creative and spontaneous use Ideas for creating stage

12. Puppets across the Curriculum Puppets can: Speak in all languages Along with props, expand the language arts center Enhance storytelling Help reinforce cooperation, rules, and problem solving Emphasize the importance of listening Be included in outdoor play

13. Puppets and Television Edgar Bergen—Charlie McCarthy Bil Baird—created over 3,000 puppets “Buffalo Bob” Smith—Howdy Doody Burr Tillstrom—Kuklah, Fran, and Ollie Jim Henson—Muppets Shari Lewis—Lamb Chop Fred Rogers—Mister Rogers Bob Keeshan—Captain Kangaroo

14. Taking Puppets Home Send families information about puppet presentations in the community Send families notes and letters in their native languages Conduct informal family meetings