Teachers can use puppets to help children build communication and social skills by providing structured opportunities to interact with the puppets. Puppets can also be used to support children emotionally by providing opportunities for dramatic play where children talk to one another or to their teacher without having to do so directly. In this video, preschool children are learning how to handle negative emotions, such as anger or sadness. As you watch, notice the tools and techniques the teacher uses to help her students learn how to deal with feelings.Questions:

1. Identify 2 tools and techniques the teacher in the video uses to teach the students about emotions. Why do you think these tools and techniques are effective ways to help students understand emotions?
2. List and provide examples of ways that dramatic play and role-playing contribute to healthy development.
3. Imagine a scenario where a teacher could use puppets for children with special needs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Language Learners (ELL). Briefly describe how the puppets would be used and for what purpose in your scenario.

With your peers, share additional examples and discuss other uses for puppet activities in the early childhood classroom.