THE USE OF PUPPETS IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS

Abstract

The use of puppets in teaching English to young learners has gained increasing recognition as an effective pedagogical tool. This approach leverages the inherent appeal of puppetry to engage young learners, stimulate their creativity, and facilitate language acquisition in a fun, interactive environment. Puppets serve as a means of creating dynamic, context-rich scenarios where children can practice speaking, listening, and comprehension skills in an enjoyable, non-threatening manner. By introducing characters that speak in English, puppets create an immersive, engaging atmosphere that encourages active participation. This article explores the educational benefits of puppetry in language teaching, with a focus on its impact on vocabulary development, sentence structure, listening skills, and social interaction. The use of puppets also supports the development of socio-emotional skills, such as empathy and cooperation, by fostering role-playing and collaborative activities. Through an exploration of key studies, examples, and practical strategies, this paper highlights how puppets can transform the classroom experience for young English learners.