Puppet Show
Why This is Important:
Students (and all human beings) can stuggle with how to behave in various situations. Students are often vulnerable and may struggle to manage their feelings, needs, reactions, and the expectations of others. Some children might know how to respond in certain situations but can still feel stressed for various reasons. Others may be testing boundaries, wondering, “What happens if I say this or do that?”
As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, it's natural to feel frustrated, upset, or even angry with a student's behavior. However, when a student perceives anger or frustration directed at them, they are often unable to engage in meaningful learning. Instead of absorbing lessons, they may become more fearful, ashamed, disorganized, and dysregulated.
This approach uses puppets to help students learn to respond more effectively in a given situation. Puppets can act out various situations. The puppets can act them out ineffectively and effectively. They students can then critique the behaviors of the puppets.
- Perspective: The puppet show presents behaviors in an impersonal manner, helping students gain perspective on their actions.
- Consequences: It allows students to see the consequences of different behaviors in a safe environment.
- Understanding Emotions: The puppet show fosters understanding and acceptance of emotions and impulses.
By utilizing this method, we aim to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages learning and emotional growth.
As students identify more useful and appropriate response to challenging situations, they are asked to practice, particularly to show the puppets how its done.