Puppets

Puppets are another fun addition to the storytime. They can be used to tell an entire story. Or, as an alternative, they may be used simply to introduce a book you are going to read. Often I use an appropriate rhyme with a puppet. What’s most fun is allowing the children to touch, hug, and/or kiss my puppet friend. Keep in mind that some children may be afraid and may shy away at first.

The great thing about puppets is that they tend to sell themselves. If you are new to using them, remember that they will be a hit even if all you do is show them to the group.

Here are a few puppetry sites of interest:

The Puppetry Home Page
This is an extremely comprehensive site dedicated to the art of puppetry. Links to puppetry organizations are offered. Highlights of some of the information provided include: information on puppetry festivals, puppetry definitions, and using puppetry, and making puppets.

Puppeteers of America: Home Page
Puppeteers of America is a national non-profit organization which provides information, encourages performances, and builds a community of people who love puppet theatre. Among other items the home page gives membership information, a calendar of events, and links to other puppetry sites.

Stage Hand Puppets "Activity Page"
Regular features at this site include: Performance Tips, Ventriloquism, Puppet Patterns, Hand Shadows, Scrap Puppets. Of these, the Performance Tips and Scrap Puppets appear to have the most applications to storytime development.

Pathfinder prepared June 23, 2000 by Terry Rabideau

Please send suggestions and comments to rabideau@advinc.com