Bringing puppets into the classroom is hugely enjoyable. I bring enough puppets to the workshop so everybody gets a hands-on (hand-in?) experience. I use highly expressive animal puppets by Folkmanis and career and fairytale characters from the likes of Melissa and Doug.
No wonder teachers can’t resist getting their hands inside them and bringing the puppets to life. Dialogue is spontaneous and scenes evolve naturally.
A basic element of every course is how to handle the puppet (eg by giving it focus) - both in performance and after (care for them! Don’t throw them on the floor!)
The TEACHERS workshop demonstrates the concept of your puppet as your teaching partner. Given my knowledge of the new STELLAR programme, I share plenty of examples related to the lower primary SBA2/MLEA.
Believe me, a puppet can be a wonderful partner in your classroom! See also the 3 Sheri Lewis/Lamb Chops videos I found on youtube for some excellent examples of teller/puppet interaction
I also offer puppetry workshops for pupils