Discussion Task #2 - Introducing puppets and engaging learners

Discussion Task #2 - Introducing puppets and engaging learners

To introduce my puppet, Ruby, I created anticipation about who was inside the trash can! I said that a friend was in the trash can and showed the trash can to the students.Then I peeked under the lid of the trash can, and I whispered to Ruby the Raccoon to tell her to wait.
 
Next, I told some clues about her, using gestures as much as possible:
 
“We have a new friend who will be with us during our storytime!
She can’t wait to meet all of you!
She has a bushy striped tail (gesture for tail) and a mask upon her face (gesture for mask).
She’s a good climber (pretend to climb) and an excellent swimmer (pretend to swim). She’s usually awake at night. (point a picture of ‘night’)
Who is she? Do you know who she is?”
 
Actions
1. Gesture to show a tail
by pretending to pull your hand along your ‘tail’ behind you.
2. Gesture to show a mask
by holding fingers in two circles around your eyes.
Then moving my hands apart back towards my ears.
3. Pretend to climb up something.
4. Pretend to swim.
 
I peeked back into the trash can again to see how Ruby was doing,
I told the children that she wanted to meet them, but that she was shy and afraid to come out of her can.
 
I asked the children if they could help her come out.
Then I said her name was Ruby and asked the children to say her name several times.
 
Finally Ruby slowly came out of her trash can and waved at the children.
The children to wave back at her.
I then asked Ruby to say ‘hi’ to the children, and she quietly said ‘hi’.
I encouraged the children to say ‘hi’, too. I walked Ruby around the classroom and helped her say ‘hi’ to each child.
 
As the students and Ruby became comfortable with each other, I encouraged them to shake hands. Eventually, the children eagerly came up to greet Ruby!
 
For older children, you could introduce a puppet, like Ruby, with a guessing game.
I sleep in hollow logs and sometimes in a rocky place.
I have a bushy tail and a mask upon my face.
I’m a good climber and an excellent swimmer.
I move around mostly at night. But sometimes I can be seen in daylight.
To me bugs, sweet corn, and berries are treats,
I dip my food in water before I eat.
Who am I?
(Raccoon)

Comments

  1. yazhApril 23, 2016 at 8:34 AM

    So cute :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Juan UribeApril 24, 2016 at 4:38 AM

    Fantastic, Karen! 

     Puppeteering is an art and here you have shown some great ways to bring Ruby out. Guessing the name, type of animal, and shaking hands certainly hooks up children. 

    Buddy and I are curious about what you do after you bring Ruby out. Would you share that with us?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Damien HerlihyApril 26, 2016 at 1:49 AM

    Where did you get your Rocky puppet from?

    ReplyDelete

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