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!). Recycle old stuffed or vinyl animals by cutting off the head for use as a puppet or removing the stuffing.

Finger puppets - These require a small head so a bead or small piece of foam covered with stretchy fabric would suffice. A cape style tunic is the body with a pipe cleaner running through the sleeves functioning as arms. The cape is stitched to the fabric of the head. The success of a finger puppet is in the details, the tiny features and accessories make each one special.

So, when you have your puppet dramatic ensemble you can fashion a rough stage/theater perhaps using the window of a play house or constructing an arch on top of a table finished off with some curtains. Let the show begin!