Puppet Pedagogy: Supporting Social and Emotional Learning and Inclusion in Primary and Junior Classrooms

Abstract

The overall purpose of my project is to shed light on how the art of puppetry can be fundamental in fostering inclusivity within classrooms and can promote the growth of genuine friendships. Through the activities I have created in my puppetry guidebook, designed for elementary teachers, I reveal how the process of creating puppets and then interacting through and with them can be the key to sparking new social and emotional connections within a class and school environment. Within the puppetry guidebook, there are three sections. The first section includes puppetry activities to foster genuine friendship and inclusion for students in grades K-3, while the second section is designed for students in grades 4-6. The final section includes activities that promote building connections between typically developing students and students with exceptionalities. Although each section is different, every activity is designed to bring students together, showcase the importance of individuality, promote acceptance and support, create a classroom community where everyone feels like they belong, and of course, to evoke fun, imagination, and creativity. All of the activities within the puppetry guidebook are designed with accessibility and affordability in mind. My intention behind each activity is for teachers to see the potential within a puppet and the possibilities each one holds. This guidebook is designed as a starting point to inspire further puppetry activities. It is my hope that with the assistance of this guidebook, there won’t be an elementary class or student that hasn’t experienced the magic that lives within a puppet and felt the connections they inspire.