Puppet Show Storytelling
To develop narrative voice, dialogue, and performance confidence through puppet show storytelling.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Manipulates puppets to tell stories
- Uses character voices
- Performs for audience
- Creates original puppet narratives
Materials
- Puppet theatre (doorway curtain works)
- Hand puppets
- Story props
- Seating for audience
Instructions
Set up a simple puppet theatre — a curtain across a doorway, a table turned on its side, or a purchased puppet theatre. The 'stage' transforms storytelling into performance.
Model a puppet show with a familiar story: perform 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' with goat and troll puppets. Use different voices for different characters.
Invite children to be puppeteers: 'Would you like to tell the story? You hold the goat — make him walk across the bridge! What does he say?'
Accept improvised stories. A child who makes the puppet jump around saying 'boing boing boing' is performing narrative — action IS story at this age.
Create an audience: other children sit in front and watch. 'Let's clap for the puppeteers!' The audience-performer dynamic teaches that stories are created to be shared.
Take photos and video of puppet shows. Share with families. Children watching themselves perform builds confidence and metacognitive awareness.