At Moranbah Early Learning Centre, we believe in creative, engaging ways to support communication development in early childhood. One of the most effective and enjoyable tools we use is puppetry. Puppets help children express themselves, expand their vocabulary, and build confidence in speaking and listening—all through play.
Puppets create a safe space for communication. For children who may be shy or unsure of their words, having a puppet speak “on their behalf” can reduce pressure. When a puppet becomes the speaker, children often feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts, asking questions, or telling stories.
Puppetry also encourages dialogue. Children might use puppets to play out familiar situations, like going to the doctor or sharing toys, which helps them practise real-life conversations. By role-playing with adults or peers, they learn to listen, take turns, and express feelings more clearly.
At Moranbah Early Learning Centre, we introduce a variety of puppet styles—from hand and finger puppets to sock and stick puppets. Each type offers different ways to engage, allowing children to explore different characters, voices, and emotions. These experiences support emotional literacy and social development as children begin to recognise and name different feelings.
Making puppets can be a creative activity in itself. Using simple materials like socks, paper bags, felt, and buttons, families can create their own characters at home. Ask your child to invent a backstory or special skill for their puppet—this nurtures storytelling skills and imagination.
During puppet play, adults can also model expressive language. Describe what the puppet sees, feels, or wants to do, and ask open-ended questions to prompt conversation. This guided interaction helps children expand their vocabulary and understand sentence structure in a fun, relaxed way.
Puppets are also wonderful for group settings. Children can work together to put on a mini show, narrate a book, or create a new story from scratch. These experiences help develop confidence, cooperation, and verbal fluency.
At Moranbah Early Learning Centre, we see puppetry as a powerful and playful communication tool. It’s more than entertainment—it’s an invitation to speak, listen, imagine, and connect.
With a few simple materials and a little creativity, puppet play can support your child’s communication skills and provide hours of joyful learning at home.
