The importance of using Hand Puppets in The Language Classroom
Before you start using puppets for teaching
to your students, there are some things that demonstrate the importance of
using puppets in the language classroom.
Using puppets in the language classroom is meaningful because they are extremely versatile giving you the chance to teach any kind of lessons in order to provide students the opportunity for verbal expression and to develop dramatic expression and an appropriate voice modulation.
It is vital to know expressions skills should be present in the academic growth of every child, and using hand puppets is an easy and effective way to practice with them how to use their voice, expressions and intonation in order to improve their communication skills also giving them the opportunity to develop their fine motor skills, this will highly contribute to improve students´ body language, caused by the movements and the management of the puppet giving them an extra help to kids with difficulties in basic classroom activities like writing, painting or cutting paper.
Puppets are an excellent way to make students work on teams, once they have their puppets, teachers can guide students to collaborate with their classmates in any activity that can help them in the learning process, that is why teachers should focus on plan class techniques guiding them to construct their social skills by interacting with their peers inside the classroom. These kind of activities are a great contribution in the increase of students´ confidence and emotional release because puppets provide the opportunity for students to feel secure and it makes easier for them to express thoughts and feelings that they might not otherwise feel comfortable sharing with the classroom. Talking through a puppet allows students to explore feelings without restrictions, and achieve situations in a way that they are familiar with. Also, it gives them the message that what they say is valuable and will help them develop their confidence, to express their ideas and opinions.
The stimulation of students´ thinking process is also vital when you are using puppets during your class period, for the reason that students see the activities more fun and interesting. It offers children an engaging way to interact and explore their knowledge and understanding of the world, and motivate them to a new learning in a way that it enhance their power of imagination when they are playing or developing a lesson with puppets, a new world of ideas and thoughts opens up and they can be the role of anyone or anything they want to. The roles they can imagine are endless and it is also helpful to collect ideas with children that they might use while working in class with puppets, to help expand their creativity.
Always
remember that the use of puppets in the language classroom is a very supportive
tool when you are teaching and it gives enough confidence for you and your
students. Also, it is not only helpful for the students, but also for teachers
in such a way that whatever the content they are teaching will be more creative
and interesting.
By: Angie Barría and Roderick Mendoza
Reference:
https://es.scribd.com/doc/21559836/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Teacher-Made-Materials
I am totally agree with your point that says that using hand puppets students see the activities more fun and interesting because I consider in that way teachers can make students enjoy the class and also help them to develop listening and comuncation skills.
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ReplyDeleteAfter having visited your blog I totally agree with the information you posted on your blog because it is a fact that through the use of puppets in teaching language you get the attention not only of children but also of adults because we all have a child inside and I think it's a very fun way to learn.
ReplyDeleteHello, Roderick and Angie. We agree with your point of view on how puppets can make classes interesting and help children with basic speaking skils. When used right, a puppet can become an important tool for young learners to acquire knowledge. Studies have showed that kids like colors and movement, which a good puppet should have. It is also important to remember that the puppet is a learning/teaching resource and should not become a distraction in the classroom.
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