What is the project about?

The PUPPETS Project is an exciting new project which has been set up to explore the use of puppets to engage young children in conversations which help their learning in science. Puppets have been used effectively in primary schools to support learning in several areas of the curriculum and in PSHE. However, their use in science has been more limited. The puppets are being used with primary children to stimulate their thinking about science, to challenge their ideas and to model learning conversations. The project is timely in that there is increasing interest in the development of thinking skills and Speaking and Listening within primary classrooms. Funding for the project is provided by the Nuffield Foundation.

My experience

As one of the teachers involved in using puppets I can certainly vouch for their effectiveness. Puppets are talking tools and learning partners par excellence. They kick-start conversations, fuel thinking and pour energy into the lives of the classroom. The puppets revolutionised my teaching and had a profound effect on children’s thinking and learning. This is hands-on and minds-on learning at its best. The puppets have also had an impact on my career. I now provide training in the use of puppets to teachers around the country and abroad.

To find out more about the impact of using puppets in the classroom go to the website www.puppetsproject.com

Puppets training

The PUPPETS project has also been granted a substantial amount of funding by GlaxoSmithKline plc. This funding will enable training, puppets, stories and guidance material to be provided for 9000 teachers over a three year period, beginning in September 2006. The training will generally be provided through LEAs and Science Learning Centres. Teachers wishing to get involved in the training should contact their LEA Science Adviser.

The training will be provided through:
Millgate House Education Ltd (Email: info@millgatehouse.co.uk).

Puppets in Norway

In May 2006 I visited Nesna University College in Norway (www.hinesna.no) to talk with teachers and researchers there about the impact of the project in England. The two day seminar incorporated some hands-on puppets training linked to concept cartoons and Spellbound Science. Our colleagues in Norway will soon be using puppets as part of their own research project led by Associate Professor Johs. Tveita of the Faculty of Science Education.

The puppets in Norway certainly had a great time as these pictures show. Many thanks to the following participants for their contributions during the conference:

Anne Kristin Hagensen, Tove Skjevelnes, Laila Rablias, Kristin Walnum Vinje, Kirsti Oyen, Trude Mogster, Tone Nergard, Eli Munkeby, Kristin Jorgensen, Anne-Lise Wie, Patrick Murphy, Siv Almendingen, Bjorn Pedersen, Kare Aareskjold and Johs. Tveita.

For more images please see HERE...