Puppet Play: More Than Language Development

Playing a Part

Last published in 2014, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework identifies three core areas to be addressed in an infant’s development: communication and language; physical development; and personal, social and emotional growth. These broader topics are then subdivided into various areas including literacy, mathematics, understanding the world and expressive arts and design. In today’s blog, we’re going to focus in particular on the expressive arts & design subsection, looking at our range of puppet play and nursery theatres not just as a means of developing language, but as an integral cog in the development of creative function, and the forming of strong social bonds.

Talking the Talk

First and foremost, puppet theatres should be considered a highly effective means of language and vocabulary development. With a little imagination and ingenuity, our range of early years puppet theatres can effectively be transformed into any number of scenarios; children can do anything from recreating the shopping environment to putting on more complex performances utilising our range of hand puppets. The fantastical nature, then, of the classroom puppet theatre acts as a vehicle for introducing children to new concepts whilst remaining within the safe bounds of the nursery environment. Through puppet play and other role-playing activities, children are encouraged to actively engage with new stimuli in a cooperative manner, working alongside their fellow students to comprehend and develop together.

Rising Stars

The EYFS framework, however, is also keen to stress the importance of personal and social development, particularly within the nursery environment. Creating and enacting characters using hand or finger puppets doesn’t only afford children a means of expressing their thoughts and emotions, but also helps to develop a positive sense of self image. Akin to the use of pseudonyms by famous writers, the use of various fantastical characters and settings enabled by puppet play theatres makes the act of getting up and actually performing in front of a group a much less daunting one. This then empowers children to experiment, both socially and lexically, whilst also developing self confidence through positive reinforcement from the wider nursery group.

Giving an Encore

Ultimately, puppet play theatres and other role playing items, such as hand puppets and finger puppets, are a versatile means of ensuring your children receive a rounded, comprehensive education. Finding new ways to promote the core areas within the EYFS framework can be difficult at times, which is why Edusentials strive to offer a variety of nursery supplies to make learning an interactive and fun experience. Browse through our range of classroom theatres and puppets today, and be sure to check out our recently added Nativity desktop theatre to add a little festive cheer into your nursery environment!

Originally written 27 November 2015