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Puppets can mean many things to preschool children. Self expression and creativity in children can be enhanced through puppet play. It can instill a love of dramatics, encourage speech from otherwise reluctant orators and greatly improve communication between teachers and children. Having children assist in the production of home made puppets make them the obvious choice. Generally, puppets fall into four different categories.

Hand puppets - A hand puppet is simply a piece of fabric with a hole for each arm and one for the head or just use a three fingered glove. Simply trace around a child's hand for size and use a small, light ball, foam or polystyrene ball for the head. Hair and a face can be stitched on drawn on the fabric encasing the ball and remember to cut a hole in the ball to accommodate the fingers. You can go wild with the fabrics you use for the body and have detachable features so that one puppet can be many characters.

Stick puppets - A stick puppet is easily made using a piece of wood with a head stuck on top. A wooden ball will work for the head with painted or detachable features. A piece of fabric, with holes for arms, can quickly be transformed into a magnificent cloak. If you are in need of a quick fix stick puppet simply use a wooden spoon, envelope in a dramatic cloak and hey presto!

Animal puppets - Attaching obvious animal features to an old sock is an easy way to make animal puppets so, whiskers and beady eyes makes something rodent like, felt ears and a trunk generally denotes an elephant (let your imagination run wild!). Cut the head off old vinyl toys or remove the stuffing from a beat up stuffed animal and hey presto - recycled animal puppets.

Finger puppets - Stretchy fabric covering a small bead or piece of foam will suffice for these puppets. A pipe cleaner running through the sleeves serve as arms under a cape style tunic. The fabric of the head should be securely stitched to the cape. Elaborate accessories and tiny features combine to make finger puppets very detailed and special in their small way.

Use an arch on top of a table or the window of a play house, complete with curtains, as a theatre or stage upon which your puppet ensemble can strut its stuff. Now let loose your little puppeteers.

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