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Puppet Power
Why Puppets Will Never Go out of Style
By Emily Mendell
Question: Can you name a single playtime activity for a toddler that develops creativity, imagination, motor skills, artistic talent, social skills, language and even entrepreneurship?
When pondering the answer to the above question, many parents would immediately think of a computer game, DVD or some type of electronic gadget that is designed to stimulate the senses and expand the young minds of today. After all, accomplishing all of those lofty goals in one activity must require a little technology and wiring, right? Wrong. The answer is far simpler, and brings us back to a time when technology wasn't a part of playing. It brings us back to Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. It brings us back to puppets.
Brook Levin, who has a master's degree in elementary counseling, has been teaching preschool in Broomall, Pa., for 30 years. During that time, certain toys and games have become outdated and ultimately replaced with newer activities. The puppet theater, however, has been a mainstay in her classroom for decades, and for good reason. It remains one of the most popular stations among the children, so much so that managing the traffic flow is often her biggest challenge.
"Everyone wants a turn at the puppet theater," Levin says. "It gives the children a chance to interact with one another, to play act, to be silly. It also gives them a voice."
According to Levin, puppets are unique in many ways, not only because of the fun they provide but also because of the social, creative and developmental benefits children can realize across a broad range of ages. Children from age 2 and up can grow with this type of play, increasing their sophistication level along with way.
"Puppet activities range from placing the puppet on your hand and bopping another puppet on the head to creating real scenarios and conversations," Levin says. Yet, she is quick to draw the distinction between the creative experience a child gets playing with puppets versus playing with dolls or action figures.