I was a new teacher, trying to connect with my students, and nothing seemed to work. Then, I pulled out my Baby Wombat puppet, and boom—all eyes were on him. That puppet became my bridge to the kids, their favourite class friend, and even my co-teacher. From that day on, I saw how powerful puppets can 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. Here’s why you should consider using puppets in your classroom every day.
1. Puppets Make Learning Fun and Engaging
When I introduced Baby Wombat, the whole dynamic of my classroom shifted. Puppets can capture children’s attention in a way that few other teaching tools can. They turn ordinary experiences into exciting adventures, whether you’re teaching self-regulation skills math, or a new story.
The research backs this up—puppetry in the classroom engages children deeply, making it easier for them to retain and apply what they learn (Cumming & Sumsion, 2014). Puppets bring learning to life!
2. Puppets Build Strong Emotional Connections
One of the most powerful aspects of puppets is their ability to foster social and emotional learning. Children often see puppets as trusted friends, and through them, they can explore their emotions, practice empathy, and learn how to communicate.
In my classroom, Marcus and Elena, two hand puppets, help children resolve conflicts by showing how to express feelings and find solutions. This type of role-play with puppets not only teaches social skills but also provides a safe space for children to navigate difficult emotions. Research by Fenech & Salamon (2021) supports the idea that puppets are particularly effective in promoting emotional understanding, especially for children with diverse needs.
3. Puppets Boost Language and Communication Skills
Puppets naturally encourage language development. Even the quietest children often find their voice when interacting with a puppet. I’ve seen this firsthand with the Old Lady, my trusted circle time saviour. As we act out the story of The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, the children eagerly chime in, repeating lines and predicting what happens next.
The Old Lady turns language practice into something fun and interactive. Whether it’s building vocabulary, retelling stories, or simply getting children to speak up, she makes it easier for them to find their voice. And because they’re so engaged with the story, they don’t even realise they’re learning—they’re just having a great time!
Do you like using puppets in the classroom?