Puppet Play

Usually, day care centers use art materials, clay dough or sand and water to allow kids to express themselves. But there is another better way to encourage kids to let go of their emotions, which is utilized by a lot of teachers nowadays including psychiatrists, and that is through the use of puppets. When kids are able to utilize their ideas, creativity and imagination, they are able to develop their sense of independence by being able to play alone and develop their social skills by imagining cooperatively with a playmate.

Puppets, as defined, are figures made to look like an animal or a person, having a body but with a hollow head, where a hand can enter and manipulate them. Sometimes, during a stage presentations or plays, puppets are attached to strings and their movements are also controlled by the hand while a person speaks in behalf of them.

Playing with puppets is what kids would always love doing. When kids are alone, and are playing with their puppets, they tend to speak of what is bugging in their minds and they are able to share to the puppet their truest emotions, especially if they are the ones who prefer to stay alone than be to with a friend. Puppets may come in a form of a mom, dad, babies, animals, fairy tale characters or other workers that most kids look up to. Puppets can also be dressed up with accessories or clothing to make it even more interesting for kids. And if you intend to own one for them, a puppet theater is also available which you can have in your own home.