I was a new student teacher, trying to connect with new groups of children and did not know where to start. This day, I had my special toy with me. I pulled out my Baby Wombat puppet, and boom—all eyes were on him. That puppet became my bridge to these children, their class friend, and my co-teacher. From that day on, I realised how powerful puppets could be in creating connections and making learning fun. Puppets aren’t just for the occasional story—they can be an everyday tool to engage, connect, and teach. One of the best decisions was using this puppet as a co-teacher, which transformed my teaching approach.
Why Puppets Make the Perfect Co-Teacher
Using puppets in the classroom might seem like a cute idea, but it’s so much more than that. Puppets can turn the shyest child into a chatterbox, make tough concepts easier to digest, and transform a regular lesson into something magical. When you introduce a puppet, you’re not just adding a prop—you’re adding a co-teacher who can break down walls, boost participation, and bring joy into learning. In many ways, using a puppet as a co-teacher can revolutionise your classroom interaction.
When Baby Wombat demands hugs, almost no child is able to refuse.
Children like puppets, they are mesmerised by them. They see puppets as non-threatening and fun, which opens them up in ways that traditional teaching tools just can’t. It’s like having a sidekick who knows exactly how to make learning feel less like work and more like play. That’s why co-teaching with a puppet is such a game-changer. Moreover, the puppet as a co-teacher serves to bridge gaps that even the best lesson plans can’t always cover.
Choosing the Right Puppet for Your Classroom
Not all puppets may be a good fit. Finding the right one that matches your personality, teaching style, and class needs is key.
Here are a few puppet types to consider:
- Hand made puppets – made from paper, cloth, pipe cleaners and a pair of googly eyes, any objects can become your puppet. I once used Floony (which is a baloon filled with corn). Finding the right puppet can turn it into a co-teacher seamlessly.
- Hand Puppets with Movable Mouths – Perfect for both storytelling and interactive discussions. These are the stars when you want the puppet to talk back and forth with you or the students.
- Finger Puppets – Great for smaller settings, like reading groups or individual activities. They’re cute, easy to handle, and can quickly become a hit with toddlers and babies.
- Large Rod Puppets – Want to make a big impression? These larger puppets are perfect for grabbing attention in bigger groups. I find them hard to manipulate, but you may quickly learn. These puppets can also act as effective co-teachers in larger classroom settings.
Personally, I started simple with my Baby Wombat hand puppet, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.