Using Puppets for Social and Emotional Learning

Program details

Program description

Using Puppets for Social and Emotional Learning is presented by a speech pathologist, Lucia Smith, from Pelican Talk Speech Therapy. Lucia has used puppets successfully in her work with children for over the last 30 years. The training includes practical puppetry that allows for all levels of comfort and confidence and explores content that can be transferred to other mediums (such as book-sharing, play, art and music).

Download an overview of how the training, and a step-by-step guide for registration by visiting the Puppets for Learning website.

Through the training participants:

• Learn how to use hand puppets in a way that is engaging to children (“making a puppet come alive”)
• Explore current theories of social development and the levels of social understanding necessary for developing successful peer relationships
• Learn about why children vary in their social and emotional capabilities
• Explore the Social Puppets program (provided in the training) and discuss how implement it within a centre
• Learn about Theory of Mind, differences in Theory of Mind, and how to promote it using a puppet
• Explore theories of emotional intelligence and its development
• Learn how to model emotions using a puppet in order to promote a rich emotional vocabulary
• Learn how to demonstrate emotional regulation using a puppet
• Learn how to set up play-based learning with puppets to further reinforce social and emotional learning
• Learn how to use a calming puppet
• Learn the Tommy Turtle anger management strategy
• Learn how to adapt the above learning to other modes of play and book-sharing
• Review neurodiversity affirming practise and trauma informed practise
• Learn communication strategies to promote participation by children with low language abilities and additional challenges.

Training sessions can be completed in one of 4 delivery formats (see below). The core training content comprises approximately 5.5 hours. A Puppet Package and other resources designed to support specific aspects of the program are recommended but are not essential for participation.

Option 1: Face-to-face training at your centre

Host a training day at your service for up to 30 participants. Services may pool funding with other local services to access this option.

Training is delivered in a single visit and can be scheduled on weekdays, weekends or during school holidays, subject to availability.

Contact Conni at admin@puppetsforlearning.com.au to discuss dates, travel and accommodation charges.

Option 2: Host a custom Zoom session for your centre

If you wish to have a personalised training day, but wish to save on travel and accommodation costs, you can organise a training over Zoom (for a maximum of 25 participants).

These can be run over one, 2 or 3 sessions during the day or of an evening. School holidays are also an option. Participants may sign in individually or as a group.

Option 3: Full-day workshop hosted in Melbourne

Educators can attend a training day at a venue organised by Puppets for Learning. Workshops are scheduled twice a term on Thursdays and Fridays, and places are limited. One or more educators from a service may attend.

Training dates and venues to be announced.

Option 4: Attendance at Zoom training sessions

This option is hosted by Puppets for Learning and delivered via Zoom.

Training is offered either as:

• 2 sessions of 2 hours and 45 minutes each, or
• 3 sessions of 1 hour and 50 minutes each.

Registrants who choose to include puppets as part of their package will receive these before commencing the training.

Training dates and venues to be announced.

Cancellation policy

If a booking is cancelled or rescheduled within one month of the scheduled training date, 50% of the total amount owed will apply. In some circumstances, however, rescheduling may be arranged without any charge.

Payment schedule

No deposit is required. Payment must be made within one month of first training date.

Implementation considerations

• Target population: educators.
• Program/practice descriptions and details: Participants learn how to use a puppet in a practical and engaging manner with children of all ages. Th puppets are NOT used in the manner of presenting a puppet show. Through their relationship with the puppet, children explore self-awareness, emotional awareness, emotional regulation and relationship building with others. The training has a focus on using puppets with children who are disengaged or disruptive and incorporates ways to promote a child's communication abilities. The training concludes with the development of an implementation plan to support participants in applying their learning to the specific needs their own early childhood setting. This training aligns with neurodiversity-affirming practice and trauma-informed practice.
• Staffing: services should consider the cost of backfill in determining the cost of accessing this resource.
• Supervision/coaching: All registrants who have completed training can receive access to free follow-up sessions and review of learning. These are online live and may be combined with staff from other centres. In addition, centres whose staff have completed the training may choose to puchase a customised online refresher/implementation session in their training package. Puppets for Learning also provides free support via phone or email as required.

VEYLDF alignment

Item uses these practice principles

• Reflective practice
• Partnerships with families
• High expectations for every child
• Respectful relationships and responsive engagement
• Equity and diversity
• Assessment for learning and development
• Integrated teaching and learning approaches.

Item responds to these sub-outcomes

Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.