The knitted sock puppet is a character that can be used to interact in a variety of ways with individual and groups of children and adults. These puppets can be used to communicate in many ways, for example verbally (conversation, squeaking) or non-verbally (by touch). Each pack will contain one Sockette Puppet.
Suitable for ages: 18 months+
Key learning this resource may support:
Language, literacy and communication development for example, children may feel more comfortable communicating through the puppet with peers and adults as it supports development of verbal and non-verbal communication.
Social and emotional development for example, offering emotional support to a child and encouraging interactions between children and with adults or promoting development of imaginative play.
Physical development: Manipulation of the puppet can support development of fine motor skills and encourages children to engage in sensory experiences.
Suggested starting points for engagement:
- Practitioners should firstly consider how this resource can be used to support children at their current levels and also offer a gentle extension to their learning as and where appropriate.
- The character of the puppet could be developed in collaboration with the children to build rapport so it can be used in an active and meaningful way with the group. Practitioners can encourage opportunities for non-verbal children to participate and have their views heard. Areas for development of the puppet’s profile could include:
- Will we give the puppet a name?
- What do you think we should call it/him/her?
- Where does it live? Who else lives there?
- What does the puppet like?
- What does the puppet not like?
- The practitioner can use the puppet to support and encourage children to describe their experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas, commenting on events and actions of relevance to them or to engage in imaginative play and story-making.
- The puppet could be used as a resource within the pre-school setting to help children connect to and make sense of experiences (both positive and challenging).
- The practitioner can consider using the puppet for modelling positive social interactions, exploring emotions and social stories.
- Practitioners can use both observation and knowledge of individual children to support them throughout the daily routine, considering where the puppet may be particularly beneficial.
