As teachers, we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to communicate with and instruct our students using the unique language of puppetry. We found that with puppets in hand, we were much more dramatic and entertaining teachers, and in turn, our students really appreciated sharing those learning opportunities with us. It was mutually beneficial."
Children who are already shy discover a way of expressing themselves without the heat being on them, as all eyes and ears are turned on the puppet. Thus they build confidence to speak and share ideas.
The teacher can help bridge the gap between herself and her perhaps very young pupils by talking to a puppet. The children can identify with the puppet and gain confidence with the teacher as they witness the puppet's positive relationship with the teacher.
This relational dimension is one of the most important general ways in which puppets can be used to teach. They help in breaking down barriers and building strong links and channels of communication between the teacher and the students and among the students themselves. This is especially important with younger kids. Building good communication is the keystone to all effective educational activities.