Once the puppet theatre curtain opens, language, reading and comprehension skills converge as meaningful learning takes a front row seat! Puppet theaters promote literacy and a love for learning. From young children building pre-reading skills, to high school students developing higher level cognition, puppet theaters are a stage for hands-on-learning and practical skill application.

Real life application strengthens language cognition and reading comprehension. After receiving my certification as a Reading Specialist, I searched for a program that would help kids learn to speak, read, write and communicate. Then, I realized that I needed something to help my little learners engage, so I brought my first puppet theater into my classroom. I saw a sparks in the eyes of all those children, and I knew this was a way to help children connect what they were learning on a page to real life!

There are many places where children learn. Bedrooms, classrooms, playrooms, day care centers and youth centers are a few of the many places where we expect that learning is taking place. Young learners need adults to consider their literacy needs and create a space where these needs can be nourished. Puppet theaters are an excellent choice for filling any space that hopes to nourish language and reading development for young people. This development is crucial for future learning.

Children who have regular opportunities for dramatic play have a rich environment that stimulates and reinforces language development. Add a puppet theater to any space where children play. Watch kids teach each other how to communicate. Expect an enthusiasm for learning that text books and instructional programs can't facilitate.

Before you set out to select a puppet stage, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, this is not likely to be a short term investment. You want to purchase a theater and hand puppets that will last. Children love to return to familiar characters and scenes and grow with them. Each rehearsal builds on the last and becomes the impetus for new creativity and learning. Select a puppet theater and puppets that will hold up under regular use.

Don't be surprised if your favorite little thespian continues their puppet stage performances well into adulthood! Once a child loves literacy and learning, they often want to pass their enthusiasm on to others!