Actually experiencing and being involved in taking positive social action is important for students. Puppets can be used as gifts and sent to people with special needs. They can be used to share ideas that change the ways of individuals or they can entertain and provide for creative involvement of the puppeteers and the audience.

1. Ecology

Write a puppet play about ecology. Share it with others. Keep a record of actual involvement on the part of each puppeteer. Later give another presentation as a follow-up activity to share the effects of the experience on the puppeteers.

2. Caring for Others

Role-play what it means to take care of a family member or friend. Allow students to later tell about experiences they had when attempting to carry out their ideas of what it means to be a caring person. Use puppets to tell the stories of what has been experiences.

3. Visiting the Sick

Send puppets as gifts to those who are ill. (See more detailed ideas in the section called "A Puppet Who Can Visit the Hospital."

4. Encouraging Changes in Behavior

Present a play about a common life situation or problem. Keep a record of events related to the topic. Attempt to make changes in daily life. Let puppets discuss their feelings about the experiences of trying to make personal changes.

5. The Personal Puppet Friend

Use a paper bag puppet as a repository for notes about personal thoughts. Allow children to have time to go and talk with their puppet about things they have stored inside of the sack. A private corner where no one can listen to ideas expressed may encourage children to think, write, and talk through thoughts they have. Use the puppet in the way some use a journal or diary. If children choose to share insights with others there may be times when several puppets can gather and discuss what they are learning and doing as a result of what they have thought and written. Children should not feel forced to share.

Children sometimes are not allowed to visit hospitals but may share their get-well wishes in other ways. Youngsters in hospitals often have fears that they can more easily express through puppets than through a direct answer to a question addressed by medical personnel.

Paper bags, paper, crayons or felt pens, glue, and copies of related poetry that have been typed or printed can be provided during a class period.

Have the children construct puppets and glue appropriate statements or poetry on the back of the sack. Send the puppets to a child who is ill.

I am a doctor

Who takes good care of you.

Tell me how you feel

So I'll know what to do.

I am a nurse

Who wants to make you well?

Talk about how you feel.

It helps if you can tell.

Puppets can bring much cheer to children at home as well as people who are confined to a care facility. The following poem could accompany a clown puppet given to a child or a group of people.

Hi! My name is Scrappy

A clown who has come to make you happy.

My head is scraps of newspaper and paste.

My body is fabric that couldn't go to waste.

Twine on my head and the wood for my base

All fit together, each in their place.

I've come to work all day or at night.

I've come to bring a bit of delight.

Tell me a story or tell me a joke.

Shake my hand or give me a poke.

Give me a smile or give me a wave,

And then you'll see how I behave.

Let me talk or let me sing.

Let me joy and laughter bring.

Tell me about your day.

I'll listen to all that you have to say.

Take me all around the home.

You know a clown likes to travel and roam.

Let me work and let me rest.

I'll really try my very best

To act and do as you demand.

So put my head upon your hand.

For I can't move or do a thing

Unless you make me laugh and sing.

I do not want to sit alone.

Please help me move about the home.