Puppet Pal
Help your child learn the names of different body parts with a new friend.
Watch:
Puppet Pal
Setup
None
Time required
5-10 minutes or as long as your child wants to play.
Materials
A puppet made from a sock or a bag.
How to Play
Start by putting the puppet on your own hand and making it talk. For example, “Hi, Lily. I’m Grover! I need a nose! Do you have a nose? Can I kiss it? Yummy! I need a mouth! Do you have a mouth?” You can continue with this sentence structuring identifying different body parts that the puppet needs and then pointing to that place on the child. The puppet will act as a new and loved friend while helping your child to learn new vocabulary.
Some Tips
You can make a simple puppet by drawing eyes and a mouth onto a light coloured sock. Also, trying using short and clear sentences.
Make it Easier
As the parent, identify the places on the child while they simply sit back and enjoy the impromptu puppet show.
Make it Harder
As your child becomes familiar with different body parts, have them pick which body part the puppet might need and pointing to that place on the puppet and their body. Alternatively, have your child wear the puppet and give them the opportunity to lead the game. Progress to more defined body parts, for example, point out the earlobe as opposed to just the ear.
Reference
PHA. 2009. Learning and playing. In: Birth to Five. London: Department of Health (archived), Public Health Agency Northern Ireland.
