I was a new student teacher, trying to connect with new groups of children and did not know where to start. This day, I had my special toy with me. I pulled out my Baby Wombat puppet, and boom—all eyes were on him. That puppet became my bridge to these children, their class friend, and my co-teacher. From that day on, I realised how powerful puppets could be in creating connections and making learning fun. Puppets aren’t just for the occasional story—they can be an everyday tool to engage, connect, and teach. One of the best decisions was using this puppet as a co-teacher, which transformed my teaching approach.
Why Puppets Make the Perfect Co-Teacher
Using puppets in the classroom might seem like a cute idea, but it’s so much more than that. Puppets can turn the shyest child into a chatterbox, make tough concepts easier to digest, and transform a regular lesson into something magical. When you introduce a puppet, you’re not just adding a prop—you’re adding a co-teacher who can break down walls, boost participation, and bring joy into learning. In many ways, using a puppet as a co-teacher can revolutionise your classroom interaction.
When Baby Wombat demands hugs, almost no child is able to refuse.
Children like puppets, they are mesmerised by them. They see puppets as non-threatening and fun, which opens them up in ways that traditional teaching tools just can’t. It’s like having a sidekick who knows exactly how to make learning feel less like work and more like play. That’s why co-teaching with a puppet is such a game-changer. Moreover, the puppet as a co-teacher serves to bridge gaps that even the best lesson plans can’t always cover.
Choosing the Right Puppet for Your Classroom
Not all puppets may be a good fit. Finding the right one that matches your personality, teaching style, and class needs is key.
Here are a few puppet types to consider:
- Hand made puppets – made from paper, cloth, pipe cleaners and a pair of googly eyes, any objects can become your puppet. I once used Floony (which is a baloon filled with corn). Finding the right puppet can turn it into a co-teacher seamlessly.
- Hand Puppets with Movable Mouths – Perfect for both storytelling and interactive discussions. These are the stars when you want the puppet to talk back and forth with you or the students.
- Finger Puppets – Great for smaller settings, like reading groups or individual activities. They’re cute, easy to handle, and can quickly become a hit with toddlers and babies.
- Large Rod Puppets – Want to make a big impression? These larger puppets are perfect for grabbing attention in bigger groups. I find them hard to manipulate, but you may quickly learn. These puppets can also act as effective co-teachers in larger classroom settings.
Personally, I started simple with my Baby Wombat hand puppet, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
How to Use Puppets in Everyday Lessons
So, you’ve got your puppet, and now you’re wondering, What next? Don’t overthink it—introducing a puppet into your classroom can be as easy as giving it a name, a quirky personality, and letting it pop into your lessons here and there. Here’s how I do it:
When I brought Baby Wombat into the classroom, I gave him a little backstory. He was shy, just like some of my students, and together, we learned how to ask questions, solve problems, and even make mistakes. Giving your puppet a personality helps the students connect and feel comfortable.
Use your puppet to introduce new topics, ask questions, and even model mistakes that your students can correct. I love using Baby Wombat to “forget” things or mix up concepts because it turns the kids into the experts who can help him out. This gets them actively engaged and thinking. Using a puppet as a co-teacher helps in modelling mistakes too.
One of my favourite ways to use puppets is during storytime. There’s something magical about puppets bringing characters to life, and the kids absolutely eat it up. Whether you’re reading a book or making up a story, puppets turn it into a full-on adventure. A co-teaching puppet can make storytime so much richer.
Moving from one activity to the next can be tricky with little ones. Enter the puppet! Baby Wombat often helps me transition between tasks, giving directions or guiding the students to the next part of their day.
Puppets for Teaching—More Than Just Fun
Yes, puppets are fun, but the magic goes deeper than that. Teaching with puppets helps kids in so many ways. They promote social and emotional learning, give children a voice to express their feelings, and even help them build communication skills. Puppets can also model positive behavior, like taking turns, sharing, and listening to others.
FAQs
1. Can I use puppets with older kids?
Absolutely! While puppets are a hit with younger students, older kids can also engage with them, especially when used in storytelling, drama, or as a fun way to explain tougher subjects.
2. How do I manage using a puppet in a larger classroom?
In larger settings, consider using bigger puppets, like rod puppets, that are easier to see. You can also pair puppetry with group activities, where students take turns interacting with the puppet.
3. How can puppets help with shy students?
Shy children often feel more comfortable talking to or through a puppet. By creating a non-threatening environment, puppets can encourage these students to open up in ways they might not otherwise. This is where using a puppet as a co-teacher can be most transformative.
4. Do I need special training to teach with puppets?
Nope! While there are teaching with puppets online courses if you want to dive deeper, all you really need is some creativity and a willingness to have fun. Your children will appreciate your effort, even if you’re just learning as you go.
5. Can puppets be used in subjects like math or science?
Totally! Puppets can introduce problem-solving challenges, ask questions, and lead students through experiments or activities. Baby Wombat has helped me teach everything from counting to simple science concepts.
Puppets as Classroom Game-Changers
Whether you’re a new teacher like I was or a seasoned pro, puppets can bring a fresh, exciting dynamic to your classroom. They’re more than just cute characters—they’re tools for building relationships, enhancing engagement, and creating an environment where learning is fun and interactive. Using a puppet as a co-teacher can make your teaching more effective and enjoyable for the students.
So, grab a puppet, give it a voice, and watch your classroom come to life!
