Puppet Activities with Very Young Learners

This is a list of ideas when using puppets with very young learners in an EFL/ESL English class.

Fun Phonics Collaboration

At the end of this month, we’re going to be working with Fun Phonics Spain as part of the Early Literacy Series.

TESOL Spain 44th Annual Convention

Just getting ready for the 44th TESOL Spain Convention.  Of course, it’ll be different this year, as it’s going to be virtual … hope to see you there!

Using Shadow-Puppets in Class

Being able to make and use shadow puppets really adds something to your teaching toolbox. We go from making a simple shadow-puppet theatre to putting on a full performance!

Using Puppets to Teach Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some ideas on how you can use puppets and simple props to teach holiday vocabulary.  Puppets love a holiday as much as we do!

Monkey Puzzle Lesson plan

Here’s our ‘Monkey Puzzle’ lesson plan, based on the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, published by Macmillan Children’s Books 2000. 

Lesson plans for Japan-themed projects

Primary students find Japan a fascinating country.  As it has such a rich history, especially art, there are so many different projects that you can do with primary school students.

Using Puppets to teach about Africa

There are so many ways of using puppets to teach about Africa and inspire interest in younger learners. And lots of other ways too, such as making masks & drums.

Animal-Themed Lesson Ideas

There are thousands of really cool and engaging animal-themed lesson ideas that you can use your puppets for.  Kids of all ages go crazy for animals!

An A–Z of Themed, Puppet-based Lessons

This post is an ongoing project under construction. We’re going to be adding ideas for an A to Z of themed, puppet-based lessons as we go.

Using Puppets for Online English-Teaching

Using puppets for online English-teaching is not only very appealing visually, it’s a great way to engage and maintain students’ interest.

Using Dance with Young Learners in ELT

Younger learners can practise and learn lots of language items though dance, from parts of the body to simple verbs and prepositions of movement.

Using Toys as a Speaking Stimulus in ELT

Using toys as a speaking stimulus works really well with early-years students. They love being involved with class preparation, especially if that involves their favourite toys!

EFL Definitions of Terms: A Glossary

EFL and CLIL are full of acronyms and abbreviations!  So I’m going to reread my posts, highlight any I haven’t fully explained, and link them to this glossary page here! 

Origami finger-puppets

Making origami finger puppets helps students follow simple instructions, learn by doing, learn about fractions and keep focused in class.It’s a good TPR lesson, it can be used for maths too, and it focuses the mind.