Using puppets is a great help to me. Puppets are a language assistant for teachers and a schooltime friend for students. Therefore, it is crucial to use them effectively.  After having taught very young learners for 4 years, I can say puppets really work well with children in class.

Here are some tips I can offer.

1. The most important thing to do is to say "Our puppet doesn't know your language. He only understands and speaks English." so that students will try to use English in class.

( One of our cleverest students once said he'd taught Turkish to Norton (our puppet) :)

2. The second rule is to use a variable and appropriate pitch and tone of voice.

3. This tip is especially important for allowing an emotional connection with the puppet. Create a world for the puppet.  I mean, give some imaginary details about him, as if he had a family, and came from England. Talk about his likes/dislikes. Sometimes you can bring some other puppets to class so that you can show them as your puppet's friends.

( Once I forgot to bring the puppet to the class, and when I entered the class, my students asked me where Norton was. Unexpectedly I said he was ill and needed a rest. They got worried about Norton all the lesson. What a shame!)

Do you use puppets in your classes? Do you agree on these tips? If you want to add more, I'd really appreciate.