Children will love the opportunities puppets provide to role play different scenes.

Did you know?

Finger puppets help children develop dexterity (moving fingers separately and with control).

Add language

Puppets can be helpful in giving children more confidence in speaking.

Puppet plays give children opportunities to tell simple stories and use their “story voice.

Other development

Puppets give opportunities to use language to explore behaviour, consequences and a variety of emotion words e.g. furious, jealous, anxious, frightened, excited, nervous, surprised etc. This helps in emotion coaching children and developing their self regulation skills.

Introducing several characters will make play themes more complex and further develops social skills.

Variations

A DIY puppet theatre is a great way for your child to extend their imagination, interact with others and share their creations with family and friends.  Your local white goods shop can be a good source of large cardboard boxes perfect for this activity.

Making their own puppets and props helps express creativity and develops fine motor skills.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how playing with puppets can be fun for babies, toddlers and playgroups.

 

Activities listed under “child” are suitable for children 3 years and older.  Children of this age enjoy more complex activities where they can develop their skills and use their imagination while playing with friends.

Play ideas