Puppet Play
Overview
Expressing needs is linked to identifying and expressing feelings. The activity's objective is to enable children to express feelings first and foremost to be able to identify and express their needs.
Expressing needs and wants
Puppet play is a good activity to try one-on-one or in small groups to help children explore and express their feelings, ideas, and concerns. Many children find it easier to talk about feelings during puppet play because it can give them some distance from scary or upsetting issues.
Encourage children to pick up a puppet and be its voice while you or another child or adult adopts the character of another puppet. You can discuss the children’s feelings indirectly and then their needs with each feeling, and offer another point of view through your puppet. Reversing the characters so that children play another role can also promote empathy by helping kids experience how others feel.
Activity Materials
| At least 2 to 3 | Puppets |