A “Special Guest” in Your Classroom

ByMonica Healer

Hey Reader!

When was the last time you pulled out a puppet in your classroom? Whether it’s a sock puppet, a set of finger puppets or a full-fledged hand-puppet, they can be a great tool in your toolbelt for helping children learn in so many ways.

Why Puppets Work

Puppets capture children’s attention in ways teachers don’t. They create a playful, low-pressure way for children to engage, which is especially helpful at the beginning of the year when trust and comfort are still being built.

Here’s how puppets support growth across developmental domains:

  • Social & Emotional: Children often find it easier to talk to a puppet than to an adult. Puppets can model sharing, taking turns, and naming emotions.
  • Language & Literacy: A puppet encourages conversation, introduces new vocabulary, and can “read” stories alongside you.
  • Cognitive: Puppets spark imagination and problem-solving. Children can help a puppet figure out a daily routine or solve a simple classroom dilemma.
  • Physical: Handling puppets builds fine motor skills (especially finger puppets), and acting out stories with bigger body movements supports gross motor development.

Simple Puppet Ideas You Can Try Today

  • Morning Helper: Use a puppet to greet children at the door. The puppet can remind children of the morning routine (“Hang up your backpack, then find your spot!”).
  • Emotion Check-In: During circle time, let the puppet “feel” something—nervous, excited, sleepy—and invite children to share how they’re feeling too.
  • Problem-Solving Partner: When classroom challenges pop up (“We only have one red crayon, but two friends want it”), the puppet can ask the class for help in finding a solution.

Puppets don’t need to be fancy. A store-bought (<cough> Amazon-ordered) animal puppet, a simple sock puppet, or even a paper-bag puppet made by the children will work! What matters most is how you bring the puppet to life—with expression, curiosity, and playfulness.

A puppet (or collection of puppets, honestly) might be just what you need to add to your toolbelt this fall. Check out our social media feeds this week for some easy puppet ideas!

Hint: This week’s podcast episode with Michon Henegar was so fun! And you might want to watch on Youtube because Michon shows so many of her puppets! While you’re there…click the Subscribe so you don’t miss anything!

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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Listen to this podcast episode with host Monica Healer now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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