Puppet shows are a timeless form of entertainment, with various types existing across the globe. These range from marionettes to stick puppets, shadow puppets, even life-size puppets with an actor maneuvering them from inside. Regardless of the variety, all puppet shows possess a singular captivating quality, making them an effective form of entertainment, particularly for two-year-old children whose imaginations are burgeoning.
As the puppets walk and talk, children are engrossed in a magical world. These tiny forms taking life before their eyes leave them fascinated, providing an engaging way for them to learn and expand their imaginations. Here, we discuss how you can plan and arrange a rewarding puppet show experience for your little ones.
Choosing the Right Time for Puppet Shows
Unlike visiting the zoo or enjoying a kids' concert where there's more freedom of movement and noise, a puppet show requires the audience to be seated and quiet. Hence the appropriateness of the puppet show experience relies heavily on your child's temperament and age. An ideal age to start would be during the preschool years, when they can stay seated for the span of the show and understand the story being depicted.
The scheduled timing of puppet shows also suit preschoolers better. By the time they are old enough to stay still, they can follow the story unfolding before them. Ensuring the kids understand the story being played will enhance their enjoyment and engagement with the show.
Preparing for a Puppet Show
Plethora of puppet shows for kids are based on folk tales and fairy tales. Introduce your child to the story before the show. This will provide a background and context making the story represented in the puppet show easier to understand.
While reading the story, encourage your child to imagine and predict possible stage adaptations. Ask them what they think Little Red Riding Hood would wear or how the gingerbread house in 'Hansel and Gretel' might look like.
Set the stage at home too in order to familiarize them with the theatre atmosphere. Talk about the opening and closing curtains, the intermissions and how the lights might dim when the show begins.
For toddlers, especially those who are afraid of the dark, it may be beneficial to practice at home. Simulate the theatre setting to gently acclimate them to the conditions in the puppet show theatre.
Establishing Theater Etiquette
Additionally, it's important to establish clear guidelines on appropriate behavior at the show. Discuss and embed the right behaviors such as staying seated, not touching the puppets and maintaining whisper-level conversation. Do encourage laughter when it's funny and applause to appreciate the show.
Role-play at home can be another effective exercise. It helps the child understand the behavioral expectations at a puppet show. Turn your living room into a puppet stage and take turns playing the puppeteer and the audience with your child.
Toddlers are naturally curious and may want to reach out and touch the moving puppets. It may be wise to pack a toy from home to keep their hands occupied during the show.
Inform your child about the finale. Tell them that they might have the opportunity to meet the puppets after the show if they behave appropriately. This little incentive can often prove to be effective in maintaining decorum during the show.
Children's Outings: Making Puppet Shows Fun
Always make outings activity-centric and fun. Just like how you would prepare for a run around errands with your toddler, plan for the puppet show in a way that's both exciting and convenient for your little one.
Teach your child to abide by the ground rules for any public place, but particularly for a performing arts venue. Show them how to appreciate art and also respect it.
Teaching the younger generation to appreciate performing arts can be a rewarding experience. Puppet shows can offer an engaging and fun way to introduce your kids to theatre and performing arts.
So, bring your child out to a puppet show, immerse them in the experience and let their imaginations soar. It's an experience that will enhance their cognitive development and entertain them at the same time.
In essence, puppet shows for kids are more than just an entertaining pastime. It is a means to stimulate their imagination, learn etiquette and appreciate the art. Preparing your child to enjoy a puppet show will ensure that they are geared up to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of puppetry and theatre.