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Preschool children love to play and improvise with puppets. Self expression and creativity in children can be enhanced through puppet play. Communication between preschool leaders and children can also be improved, reluctant talkers can be encouraged to hold forth whilst learning to embrace the wonder of creative dramatics. Having children assist in the production of home made puppets make them the obvious choice. Puppets come in different shapes, sizes and types and are generally categorized under the following headings:

Hand puppets - are somewhat like a three fingered glove comprising a fabric body with a hole for each arm and one for the head. Simply trace around a child's hand for size and use a small, light ball, foam or polystyrene ball for the head. Cut a hole in the ball to accommodate fingers and encase the ball in fabric so you can stitch or draw a face and hair. 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 piece of wood with a head stuck on top constitutes a stick puppet. A wooden ball will work for the head with painted or detachable features. A swathe of fabric becomes a cloak (with holes either side for fingers to become arms). 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 - Socks can be utilized to make animal puppets by simply attaching the obvious features i.e. big, felt ears and a trunk for an elephant, whiskers and beady eyes makes a mouse (and a variety of other rodent like creatures - the sky's the limit!). Recycle old stuffed or vinyl animals by cutting off the head for use as a puppet or removing the stuffing.

Finger puppets - Stretchy fabric covering a small bead or piece of foam will suffice for these puppets. A pipe cleaner running through the sleeves serve as arms under a cape style tunic. The fabric of the head should be securely stitched to the cape. Elaborate accessories and tiny features combine to make finger puppets very detailed and special in their small way.

Use an arch on top of a table or the window of a play house, complete with curtains, as a theatre or stage upon which your puppet ensemble can strut its stuff. Enjoy the show!