Do you use a hand puppet when you teach, and if not, what other prop do you use when teaching languages?

Question

I am supposed to use a hand puppet, something I am not used to, but wondered if anyone else has had success using one when teaching children. If not, what else do children like to watch?

Answer 1

Kids like colors, paintings, objects such balls of papper, foil, flowres, branches.... Kids movie classics (and not cartoons) such as the Sound of Music or the King & I.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry, but I have now got a mental image of Mr Garrison and Mr Hand from South Park which I can't get out of my head, and I am now giggling uncontrollably!

Sorreeeeee!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I am interested in knowing specifically the student ages an their level of acquisition in the language you will be teaching? I have worked with teaching kindergarten in a second language not English, and I used GLAD techniques, realia, and sheltered language (I never used a puppet?).

It is important to practice everyday phrases and useful conversation. Find their interests and incorporate them into your lessons. Encourage them to use their background experiences in their conversations.

Answer 4

I don't actually teach, but I certainly remember my French teacher (who was indeed French) teaching with some help from a wooden cane.  If only she'd been introduced to hand-puppets instead!!!

Answer 5

I use puppets in my class occasionally (I teach English in Japan) but usually go with a humorous take on it. I have one bear puppet with his arms in bandages to teach 'Can he.....?' and a fruit bat puppet that I do 'What is he doing?' with (Which is funny if you try and make a glove puppet do a swimming action). Think cute humour with kids and you'll do fine. If you can make them laugh then they will be content to watch.