What should I do if an Early Years child is scared of the puppet?
Q: I am working in a nursery and have been using puppets with children aged 3-5 and I am keen to develop my skills with this as much as possible. I have a copy of “Puppets at Large” by Linda Bentley as my guide. When I introduced a puppet to a group of 3 year olds, one of them burst into tears. I did not realise that she had a fear of soft toys. This has knocked my confidence but I am still keen to work with the puppets. Can you suggest what my next steps could be with the child concerned?
Jenny:Don't worry - children bursting into tears when they see a puppet has happened to myself and all my consultants. Children are fragile, complex, fascinating little creatures and they can experience fright and anxiety over a whole range of things- not just puppets. With early years children I often take the shy ones in small circles first. So you could sit in a circle with a few children, including her and get her used to what is going to happen in the big circle time. We use finger puppets, small hand puppets and then when they are more confident and comfortable - we use the big puppets.
So the trick is to start small- and introduce what you are going to do later on in the day. The child can then ask questions. So I hope this helps, there are some lovely puppet scripts for nursery children, for animal puppets in the book, More Quality Circle Time.
I always say to the children "Iets enjoy pretending with the puppets now”. I don’t let them think that they are real.
I think it is wonderful that you are being courageous and sensitive - you will make a great teacher if you hold onto these qualities.
Warm wishes, Jenny
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