Puppets & Action

Children and adults alike regularly draw upon expressive and interactive skills for social interactions, and to exercise life skills.  Many volunteers and professionals use engaging and interpersonal forms of communication and interaction in their everyday life and work. For example, educators, parents, social workers, pastors, caregivers, animators, and more, embrace expressive forms such as storytelling, puppetry, feltboards,  and for a multitude of purposes ranging from encouraging dialogue, supporting healing, promoting public awareness of social issues,  and fostering learning and development.

Current research and curriculum resources support the use of puppets in educational settings for extension and reinforcement of skill in learning areas such as language and communication, social and relational interaction, and technology and innovation.  

Regarding animation and technology, an article from the Government of Ontario titled, Meaningful Making: Establishing a Makerspace in Your School or Classroom, recommends and supports creative expression, design and development of tools in educational frameworks.

Puppets Resources

The inter-disciplinary and multi-faceted nature of puppetry and communication arts & science is readily evident. 

• The Government of Ontario Ministry of Education lists puppets in the curriculum of the Language, French as a Second Language, Arts, and Kindergarten programs.  Curriculum can be found here:​ www.ontario.ca/page/education-and-training

​Additionally, it is possible to find that qualified volunteers and practitioners in fields that involve storytelling and healing dialogue have long been using puppets and sharing stories. Here is a new resource:

• Puppets, Puppets, Puppets: An Introduction to Puppets as a Communication Resource (2023) by Sandra J. Smith
• The Power of Storytelling in Worship and Education: A Practical Guide (2022)  by Jed Griswold

These are only a sampling of resources that support the benefits of learning and developing, communicating and connecting through the use of puppets. There are many, many more.  Take time to enjoy your exploration of the world of puppetry, storytelling and communication.    

Available:

Books, Sets and Puppets.
Books available through Amazon. Sets available through Northsper.

About the Research & Resources 

Sandra Smith, M.Div., MTS, OCT, is an educator, author and program leader. She is a  graduate of Queen's University, Brock University, and the University of Waterloo.   She has practical experience as a classroom teacher and as a ministry leader where she frequently uses puppets in skits and storytelling.