How to Use Puppets to Teach Math
Puppets can be a effective and entertaining way to teach math skills to children. Educators can stage puppet shows that demonstrate mathematical concepts to make mathematical theory accessible for kids--especially for pre-schoolers through primary school students. With a little creativity, puppets can be integrated into any math class. Teachers can also use puppets to pose questions to the class, create interactive exercises, or engage the class in daily number exercises.
Things You'll Need
- Two hand puppets
- Math flashcards
- Blackboard
- Chalk
- Felt
- Felt board
- Scissors
- Permanent markers
Instructions
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Use Puppets to Teach Math
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1
Use the puppets to engage children in math drills. Hold a math flashcard in one hand (problem side facing forward) and put the puppet on the other hand. Read the problem aloud and have the puppet call on children for help finding the answer.
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2
Let the puppet tell a story which leads to a dilemma math can solve. Ask for the children's assistance in solving the puppet's problem (such as finding the number of cookies each guest will need for a party). Write out any necessary equations on the blackboard with chalk, while the puppet interjects and expresses its gratitude.
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3
Stage a puppet show to teach fractions. Cut a large circle of felt and decorate it with markers to resemble a baked pie. Use scissors to divide the pie into two halves, and then divide the remaining half into two quarter-circles. Have the two puppets haggle over which pieces of the pie are equal to each other, as they add their pieces to the felt board to create a whole pie.
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4
Use the puppet to solidify basic mathematical reasoning. Before calling on children to solve a math equation, allow the puppet to make an incorrect attempt. Ask the children to correct the puppet's work and provide the right answer. Call on kids to explain why the puppet is wrong and they are right.
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5
Tell the class the puppet has a favorite number. Whenever the answer to a math equation involves that number, have the puppet laugh, dance and holler for the class.
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Tips & Warnings
Have the puppet tell jokes or employ puns to keep the children's interest and attention.
References
- Photo Credit Schultafel mit Rechenaufgabe image by Primabild from Fotolia.com
