In the early childhood classroom teachers encourage the enjoyment of language. Using flannel boards for example can help toddlers who show no interest in books to get some enjoyment out of storytime. Flannel boards can aid in the teaching of visual literacy – learning to look and construct meaning from objects. Puppets can be used to enhance both receptive and expressive language. Using puppets to tell stories can assist with comprehension.

Using Puppets with Very Young Learners: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Puppets in the Classroom: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9qOQDfcdBQ

How to Use Felt Board Stories for Retelling in Your Preschool Classroom; Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqH592SwX8s&t=1003s

After watching the videos and reviewing chapter 11 : “Language Growth through Flannel Boards, Puppetry, and Dramatization” discuss and share with your peers one strategy that uses the flannel board and one strategy that uses puppetry that you would like to implement in your classroom to enhance language growth in the early childhood classroom. If you would like to research other sources to find your strategies, feel free to do so. (make sure to cite your source)

Include in your discussion:

Why you chose the strategies

Explain how the strategies enhance language growth

Explain how you will implement the two strategies in your classroom