How Do Puppets Promote Literacy?

When children tell or retell a story using puppets, they must express themselves from the point of view of one character. By deciding what kind of voice the character will have, what the character will do, and how the character will act, the child shows her understanding of the story-and her grasp of the concept of character. Taking dictation, encouraging drawing, and asking for tellings and retellings will serve children well when formal reading and writing instruction is introduced later.

Puppets can be especially helpful to children who are experiencing language delays, are learning English, and/or are not comfortable or intimidated to talk in front of others, because the puppets provide a safe level of distance and anonymity. Allowing/encouraging children to perform at a puppet stage can make them feel more secure.

As you can see here in these photos the All Stars have been having fun acting out the story One with stick puppets!